Image: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) shakes hands with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a meeting in Jerusalem on 19 August 2024. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Chaim Tzach / Israeli Government Office)

Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies 

Jerusalem, August 19, 2024 — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, urging Hamas to accept a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. The meeting, which Blinken described as “very constructive,” comes after weeks of stalled negotiations.

Blinken emphasized that the latest U.S. proposal represents perhaps the best and final opportunity for a deal between Israel and Hamas. Despite optimism from U.S. officials, the situation on the ground remains tense, with renewed violence from both sides. On Monday, Hamas announced the resumption of suicide bombings inside Israel, while Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza.

During the meeting, Netanyahu expressed Israel’s support for the U.S. bridging proposal. “It’s now incumbent on Hamas to do the same,” Blinken stated, urging all parties to work with mediators—including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar—to finalize the terms of the agreement.

However, both Israel and Hamas have signaled that a final deal will be challenging to achieve. Hamas accused Netanyahu of undermining mediation efforts, while Turkey reported that Hamas representatives believed U.S. officials were overly optimistic.

The conflict, which began on October 7 last year with a Hamas attack on Israeli communities, has resulted in massive destruction in Gaza and a humanitarian crisis. With over 40,000 Palestinians killed according to local health authorities, and nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced, the urgency for a ceasefire grows ever more critical.

Despite Blinken’s efforts, key issues such as Israel’s military presence in Gaza, the movement of Palestinians, and prisoner exchanges remain unresolved, casting doubt on the potential for a lasting peace.