Israel Accepts US-Backed Ceasefire Deal, Calls on Hamas to Follow Suit

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Israel's acceptance of a US-backed ceasefire proposal, urging Hamas to cease hostilities to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has "accepted" President Biden's ceasefire plan to potentially end the 10-month war in Gaza. However, the cessation of hostilities hinges on Hamas's agreement.

Speaking from Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that the proposal, crafted in collaboration with leaders from Qatar and Egypt, aims to "bridge the gaps" between the warring parties. Netanyahu has expressed his support for the plan, indicating Israel's willingness to end the conflict.

Israel Accepts US-Backed Ceasefire Deal, Calls on Hamas to Follow Suit

"He supports it," Blinken said. "It's now incumbent on Hamas to do the same."

Blinken emphasized the need for both parties to engage with the mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, to finalize clear terms of implementation for the commitments made in the agreement.

Israel Accepts US-Backed Ceasefire Deal, Calls on Hamas to Follow Suit

Israel has faced complex issues throughout the conflict, according to Blinken, and Hamas has its own "hard decisions" to make. However, he noted a "real sense of urgency" in the region to bring the war to a swift end.

"The United States is deeply committed to getting this job done – getting it done now," Blinken added.

Israel Accepts US-Backed Ceasefire Deal, Calls on Hamas to Follow Suit

Netanyahu's acceptance of the proposal followed a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Blinken and months of negotiations. The plan is expected to include provisions for the release of hostages held by Hamas since their October 7, 2023, attack.

It remains unclear whether the proposal addresses Israel's demand for control over strategic corridors within Gaza, such as the Philadelphi Route, which Hamas has deemed non-negotiable. However, according to the Times of Israel, an official close to the Netanyahu-Blinken meeting stated that the United States did not reject Israel's security concerns.

Israel Accepts US-Backed Ceasefire Deal, Calls on Hamas to Follow Suit

Blinken's visit to Israel marked his ninth trip to the Middle East since the war began. His itinerary includes future stops in Egypt and Qatar, where he will continue discussions on the ceasefire.

Concerns persist in the region over the potential for a larger-scale regional conflict amid threats from Iran and other extremist groups like Hezbollah. Blinken's efforts underscore the urgency of resolving the conflict in Gaza to mitigate such risks.

Israel Accepts US-Backed Ceasefire Deal, Calls on Hamas to Follow Suit