Netanyahu Describes Talks with Blinken as “Positive” Amid Growing Ceasefire Pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized his three-hour meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as “positive” and “conducted in good spirit,” despite mounting pressure for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Blinken’s visit marks his ninth trip to the region since the war began in October, reflecting the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to mediate a resolution.

The discussions come after renewed negotiations in Doha last week, where the U.S. expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire agreement. However, Hamas dismissed claims of progress as an “illusion,” pointing to unresolved issues, including whether Israeli troops would need to fully withdraw from Gaza.

Earlier in the day, Blinken also met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, emphasizing that this might be the “best, maybe the last opportunity” to secure a ceasefire and a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza. Blinken stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate the conflict further, stating, “We’re working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations, that there are no actions that in any way could move us away from getting this deal over the line.”

Following the talks with Blinken, Netanyahu’s office released a statement reiterating Israel’s commitment to the latest American proposal regarding the release of hostages, while also emphasizing Israel’s security needs. The current negotiations are centered around a modified U.S. proposal aimed at bridging long-standing gaps between Israel and Hamas.

Despite American optimism, skepticism remains on both sides. Israeli leadership and Hamas continue to accuse each other of obstructing a deal. In a statement on Sunday, Hamas accused Netanyahu of placing “obstacles” in the way of an agreement by “setting new conditions and demands,” which they claim are aimed at “prolonging the war.” Hamas also held Netanyahu “fully responsible” for undermining mediators’ efforts.

Reports indicate that one of the contentious issues in the negotiations is the presence of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) along the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic area on Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. While Hamas sources suggest that the IDF would maintain a reduced presence in the area, Israeli sources have hinted that alternative measures along the border could replace an IDF withdrawal in the initial phase of the deal.

The conflict, which escalated after an unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7th, has resulted in significant casualties. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 251 were taken hostage during the initial attack. Since then, over 40,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

A previous ceasefire deal in November led to the release of 105 hostages by Hamas in exchange for a week-long ceasefire and the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Israel claims that 111 hostages are still being held, with 39 presumed dead.

As negotiations continue, the possibility of a ceasefire remains uncertain, with both sides entrenched in their positions, leaving the international community anxiously awaiting the outcome of these crucial talks.