“We are dissatisfied with Hamas’ proposal, but we will continue to work toward an agreement.”
Netanyahu: “I will not give in to absurd demands… “Military operations continue.”
Blinken expresses concern over expansion of military operation in Rafah, southern Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the ceasefire proposal by the Palestinian armed faction Hamas on the 7th (local time), calling it an empty request, but U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken did not give up hope that there was still room to reach an agreement.
At a press conference held in Tel Aviv, Israel on this day, Secretary Blinken said, “We are clearly dissatisfied with Hamas’ response, but I think there is room to reach an agreement,” and “We will continue to work hard until an agreement is reached.”
Previously, through a four-party meeting, Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar reached a ceasefire plan that would sequentially release hostages through a temporary truce for six weeks and proposed it to Hamas.
In response, Hamas presented a counter-proposal that included a 135-day ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli ground forces from Gaza, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including high-ranking Hamas officials.
On this day, Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Secretary Blinken, who was on a trip to the Middle East, and discussed this, then held a press conference and effectively refused, saying, “Giving in to Hamas’s absurd demands will not lead to the release of hostages, but will only lead to another massacre.” .
Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “The military operation (to destroy Hamas) will only last for months, not years. “There is no other solution,” he said, expressing his strong stance.
When asked about his position on this situation, Secretary Blinken responded, “I believe there is room, and I also believe we should pursue it.”
In response to another reporter’s question, he said, “We can see room in Hamas’ counterproposal to continue seeking an agreement,” and added, “These things are always negotiations.”
It is reported that Minister Blinken met with Israeli government officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, and expressed concern about Israel expanding its military operations to the Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip.
Regarding this, Secretary Blinken said, “All military operations conducted by Israel must consider civilians as the top priority. “We have proposed several ways to do this,” he explained, adding, “This is especially true in the Rafah area, where 1.2 to 1.4 million people are staying, most of whom have fled from other parts of the Gaza Strip.”
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.