US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed frustration on Wednesday over Hamas' submission of numerous changes to a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza. Blinken described some of the changes as workable while others as going beyond positions Hamas had previously taken.
Blinken did not go as far as to describe Hamas' response as a rejection of the proposal but expressed exasperation at both the changes proposed and the length of time it took for Hamas to reply - 12 days. He emphasized that Israel had accepted the proposal as it was, despite doubts raised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The UN Security Council resolution outlined three phases for the ceasefire and hostage release, with Hamas proposing amendments including a timeline for a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. A senior US administration official noted that Hamas' requests could undermine the phased nature of the proposal.
Blinken stressed the importance of moving from an immediate ceasefire to an enduring end to the conflict, with plans being developed for post-ceasefire governance, security, and reconstruction. However, progress on these aspects is contingent on ending the fighting in Gaza, which has led to a humanitarian catastrophe.
Efforts are ongoing to close the deal with the involvement of mediators from Qatar and Egypt. Hamas described its response to the ceasefire proposal as responsible, serious, and positive.
