World
U.S. Urges Cease-Fire in Gaza Amid Ongoing Disagreements
The U.S. calls for a cease-fire in Gaza as tensions escalate and disagreements persist among international leaders. Explore the implications of this urgent plea and the complexities surrounding the conflict.
U.S. Push for Cease-Fire in Gaza: Recent Developments
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken renewed calls for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, but insiders familiar with the latest U.S.-backed proposal indicated that significant disagreements between Hamas and Israel remain unresolved. Following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Blinken announced that Israel had agreed to the U.S. proposal—details of which have not been disclosed. However, he emphasized that the responsibility now lies with Hamas to accept the terms.
Despite this push for agreement, both Israeli and Hamas officials have downplayed the likelihood of a swift resolution. They noted that ongoing mediation efforts, including the latest American initiative designed to bridge the gaps between the two parties, have not succeeded in addressing some of the more substantial disputes in the discussions.
Mediators had previously suggested that high-level talks would resume in Cairo this week. A senior official from the Biden administration mentioned on Tuesday evening that negotiations are expected to continue throughout the week, but he did not provide specific details on the timing or location of the next meetings. Two Israeli officials expressed uncertainty regarding when and where the next discussions would take place.
President Biden, addressing the negotiations briefly after his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday night, faced criticism from Hamas after he remarked that the group was “now backing away” from a potential cease-fire agreement.
As Blinken embarked on trips to Egypt and Qatar to advocate for a cease-fire, Hamas expressed its willingness to reach an agreement but claimed that the latest American proposal represented “a reversal” of what had been previously accepted in early July. The group accused the United States of yielding to what it described as “new conditions” imposed by Israel.
Before departing for the United States, Blinken reiterated to reporters, “This needs to get done. And it needs to get done in the days ahead. We will do everything possible to get it across the finish line.”