PAKISTAN: US President Joe Biden has expressed optimism about the possibility of a cease-fire in Gaza, as efforts to negotiate such an agreement continue. To further these efforts and to work towards a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday. This marks Blinken’s ninth visit to the region since Israel launched its offensive on Gaza in October of the previous year.
According to Biden, Israel proposed a three-phase plan in May, aimed at ending hostilities in Gaza and ensuring the release of hostages. This plan includes a cease-fire, a prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza. The ongoing Israeli military operation has been catastrophic, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians and leaving the densely populated enclave, home to 2.3 million people, on the brink of starvation and widespread homelessness.
Hamas and other Palestinian factions have remained firm in their demands, insisting that Israel adhere to the previously agreed-upon terms supported by Biden, and establish mechanisms for their implementation instead of continuing negotiations under ongoing military pressure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referenced the principles established on May 27, which involved a proposal to Egypt, Qatar, and the US, the mediators, for Israel to retain control over the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egypt border and the Philadelphi Corridor.
The US has presented a new plan that builds on existing areas of agreement and aims to address the remaining obstacles to enable the swift implementation of the deal. However, the latest round of negotiations in Doha concluded on Friday without any significant breakthroughs.
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