U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism on Tuesday about securing a cease-fire in Gaza as negotiations reach a pivotal stage. Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Blinken confirmed progress in talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., aimed at ending Israel’s 15-month conflict with Hamas and facilitating the release of remaining hostages.
“I believe we will achieve a cease-fire,” Blinken stated, despite interruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters. “Whether we finalize this within our administration’s tenure or after January 20, the deal will likely align with the terms President Biden proposed last May.”
Blinken referenced President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, signaling the Biden administration’s commitment to handing over a detailed transition plan. This blueprint envisions the Palestinian Authority (PA) managing Gaza with international support. The plan includes restoring critical civil sectors such as banking, water, energy, and healthcare while preparing for a fully reformed PA to assume full governance.
Recent indirect talks between Hamas and Israel in Doha have encountered challenges, with new conditions imposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stalling progress. Hostage families and opposition leaders accuse Netanyahu of obstructing efforts to reach an agreement.
The U.S. proposal involves deploying international security forces to stabilize Gaza, ensuring humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts proceed. Blinken outlined plans to train and equip a new PA security force tasked with maintaining law and order. This initiative would operate alongside international partners to secure borders and prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military capacity.
The plan’s security measures would be formalized through a U.N. Security Council resolution. According to Blinken, some international partners are willing to contribute troops and resources—provided Gaza and the West Bank are reunified under a reformed PA as part of a pathway to Palestinian statehood.
“Israel must decide its future relationship with Palestinians,” Blinken emphasized. “The notion that Palestinians will remain a non-people without national rights is untenable. A time-bound, conditions-based approach to Palestinian statehood is essential for fostering regional and international cooperation.”
The conflict has claimed over 46,600 lives, mostly women and children, since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed around 1,200 Israelis. Israel’s ongoing military campaign has defied U.N. calls for an immediate cease-fire. The International Criminal Court has since issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Blinken acknowledged the Biden administration’s assessment that Hamas has replenished its ranks despite Israel’s military efforts. He reiterated the importance of a unified and stable Gaza as part of a broader strategy for achieving lasting peace in the region.
Source: Daily Sabah
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
