The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has prompted US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to highlight the possibility of a cease-fire and the exchange of hostages. The situation, which has been escalating over the past five months, has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement in the region, with AP reporting that more than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Blinken’s fifth trip to the region since October 7 is aimed at mediating and potentially easing tensions through diplomatic means. Despite facing challenges, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of Hamas’ proposed peace plan, Blinken remains optimistic about finding common ground.
Blinken stated, “While there are some clear non-starters in Hamas’ response, we do think it creates space for agreement to be reached, and we will work at that relentlessly until we get there,” without specifying what these “non-starters” entail.
However, Netanyahu has outright rejected Hamas’ proposition, labeling it as “delusional.” He advocates for military force to resolve the current hostage situation in Gaza, sparked by a sudden attack from Hamas. Netanyahu emphasized, “The day after is the day after Hamas. All of Hamas. Continued military pressure is a necessary condition for the release of the hostages.”
In contrast, Blinken sees the negotiations differently, suggesting that despite the apparent deadlock, the proposals on the table could lead to constructive dialogue. He remarked, “It’s not flipping a light switch. It’s not yes or no.”
Apart from the conflict resolution, Saudi Arabia has also played a significant role in the discussions. Blinken has consistently emphasized that Israel would need to make “difficult” decisions and agree to a two-state solution to normalize its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Additionally, such a solution is crucial for the reconstruction of Gaza.
During his visit, Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who stressed the importance of “a clear, credible, timebound path to the establishment of a Palestinian state.” Salman made it clear that Saudi Arabia would only normalize its relationship with Israel after the establishment of such a state.
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