Israel’s prime minister, facing pressure, engaged in a blame game with Hamas militants on Sunday regarding delays in reaching a Gaza truce agreement. This happened as top US diplomat Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to push for a deal.
Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, is on his ninth trip to the Middle East since the Gaza war started with an attack by Hamas on Israel in October. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders.
The United States submitted a new compromise proposal after talks in Qatar last Thursday and Friday, which led Hamas to accuse Netanyahu of obstruction. According to Hamas, Netanyahu’s conditions are hindering progress towards a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, accused Hamas of being obstinate and highlighted the importance of pressuring them during a cabinet meeting on Sunday. Discussions are ongoing, with Blinken set to continue to Cairo for further ceasefire talks.
The stakes are higher following the recent killings of Iran-backed militant leaders and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Efforts are being made to reach a truce while violence continues in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
– The rumble of tanks –
In Gaza, Israeli strikes have resulted in casualties, further escalating the death toll in the region. The conflict has also led to casualties in the West Bank and Lebanon, with tensions high and retaliation expected from various factions.
Despite the challenges, there is cautious optimism for a Gaza truce deal, and negotiations are ongoing to reach an agreement that can bring relief to the affected populations in the region.
