US Secretary of State Antony Blinken states that Israel has accepted an American proposal for a ceasefire.
– In a very constructive meeting with the Prime Minister Netanyahu today he confirmed that Israel accepts the agreement, he supports it. Now it is up to Hamas to do the same, says Blinken.
According to Blinken, Netanyahu has also promised to send his senior negotiators to Doha or Egypt to push the proposal through.
– But the eyes are now directed at Hamas, which must first and foremost stand behind the proposal, says Blinken.
Blinken: Could be the last chance
The proposal is said to have been drawn up by President Biden together with Qatar and Egypt. According to Blinken, the proposal is to “bridge the gaps” that exist between Israel and Hamas, so that the proposal that President Biden put forward a few months ago can be passed.
Before the meeting, Blinken said that the ongoing talks on a cease-fire in Gaza may represent the last chance to reach an agreement.
“This is a defining moment, probably the best, perhaps the last, opportunity to bring home the hostages, reach a ceasefire and embark on a path to lasting peace and security,” Blinken said during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv.
Netanyahu: Wants to see maximum number of hostages released early
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will try to free as many hostages as possible in a first at a ceasefire with Hamas.
– I want to emphasize, the efforts to release a maximum number of hostages will take place in the first stage of the agreement, Netanyahu said in a video message.
Travel to Qatar
The ceasefire talks are expected to continue in Cairo on Tuesday, where Blinken also plans to go. He will also travel to Qatar for individual talks with the mediators.
Netanyahu, for his part, confirmed after the ministers’ meeting that Israel is sending a delegation to the talks.
Blinken states that during the meeting he also demanded that Israel act against the settlers who attack Palestinians in the West Bank.
We will monitor the situation to make sure that something is done and that (Israel) prevents the violence and takes action against those responsible, he says.