U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel as part of his latest efforts to promote a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
This marks the ninth visit to the region by the Obama administration since the outbreak of war last October. A few days ago, the United States proposed a revised plan aimed at bridging the long-standing differences between the two sides.
The United States has been optimistic about reaching an agreement since negotiations resumed in Doha last week, but Hamas has said that claims of progress are just an “illusion.”
In a statement on Sunday, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of placing “obstacles” in the path to an agreement and “introducing new conditions and demands” with the purpose of “prolonging the war.”
The statement also said that he bears “full responsibility” for thwarting mediation efforts and “hindering the achievement of an agreement.”
According to the ceasefire agreement reached in November, Hamas released 105 hostages in exchange for a one-week ceasefire and the release of about 240 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. Israel claims that 111 hostages are still detained, 39 of whom are presumed to have died.
U.S. President Joe Biden said earlier this week, “We are closer than ever before” to reaching an agreement.
President Biden’s original proposal, based on Israel’s proposal on May 27, would be carried out in three stages:
The first agreement includes a six-week “comprehensive and complete ceasefire,” the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all densely populated areas of Gaza, and the exchange of some hostages (including women, the elderly, sick, or injured) for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
The second phase will involve the release of all other living hostages and a “permanent cessation of hostilities.”
The third phase is the launch of a major reconstruction plan for Gaza and the return of the remains of the hostages.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Authority, controlled by Hamas, said that Israeli airstrikes on Sunday killed at least 21 people, including six children.
The Israel Defense Forces said on Sunday that it had destroyed rocket launchers that attacked Israel from the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, which has been embroiled in fighting in recent weeks, resulting in the deaths of 20 Palestinians.