US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism on Monday regarding the potential for Hamas to accept a highly generous offer aimed at halting Israel’s offensive in Gaza and securing the release of hostages. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Blinken emphasized the substantial nature of the proposal put forth by Israel. He highlighted the urgency of Hamas’ decision-making, asserting that the organization stands as the primary obstacle to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. Blinken stressed the necessity of swift action, expressing hope that Hamas would choose wisely.
According to reports, Blinken underscored the importance of a ceasefire in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the need to alleviate the suffering of civilians and create conditions for a more equitable and lasting resolution. He suggested that such a ceasefire could significantly alter the course of the conflict, which has endured for over six months.
Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation was scheduled to meet in Egypt on Monday, following Qatar’s efforts to broker a deal that would bring an end to the Israeli offensive and facilitate the release of hostages.
Furthermore, Blinken noted the collaborative efforts between the United States and Saudi Arabia over the past month to resolve the conflict, characterizing their work as intensive.
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