US Secretary of State Blinken Urges Ceasefire in Gaza Amidst Ongoing Conflict
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on a trip to the Middle East with a focus on Washington's proposed Gaza truce and the future of the Palestinian territory post-war. Blinken met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo to renew calls for Hamas to accept the truce deal offered by President Joe Biden. The US diplomat will also hold discussions in Israel, Qatar, and Jordan this week. Blinken squarely blamed Hamas for prolonging the conflict, urging governments and people in the region to pressure Hamas into accepting a ceasefire. The proposed six-week pause in fighting includes the release of Israeli captives in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails to facilitate negotiations for a permanent ceasefire. Despite differing views within Israel on the deal, Hamas insists on a lasting ceasefire with a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The Biden administration seeks a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza post-war, while Israel opposes Fatah's governance, equating it to Hamas. Addressing the issue of captives in Gaza, Blinken stressed the importance of a comprehensive truce agreement for their release over a unilateral ceasefire deal. Talks between Egypt and the US highlighted efforts to aid Gaza's humanitarian crisis, worsened by Israeli restrictions on essential supplies. With thousands dead and wounded in the conflict, international efforts are crucial to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
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