A woman and child walk among debris, aftermath of Israeli strikes at the area, where Israeli hostages were rescued on Saturday, as Palestinian death toll rises to 274, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, June 9, 2024. REUTERS/Abed Khaled/File Photo
Hamas has accepted a U.N. resolution supporting a plan to end the ongoing conflict with Israel in Gaza and is prepared to negotiate the specifics, according to a senior official from the Palestinian militant group. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken characterized this development as a promising sign. However, officials involved in the mediation efforts noted that formal responses to the U.N.-endorsed truce proposal have not been received from either Hamas or Israel, raising questions about the potential for meaningful progress.
Qatari and Egyptian mediators, key players in the negotiation process, have not received formal replies from either party. Both Hamas and Israel indicated that the proposal aligns with their respective objectives, casting doubt on whether any substantive agreement is forthcoming. Blinken, following discussions with Israeli leaders in Tel Aviv, indicated that talks on post-war plans for Gaza would continue.
Blinken’s visit to Israel aimed at facilitating an end to the eight-month Israeli air and ground campaign against Hamas, which has inflicted significant destruction in Gaza. This diplomatic effort follows the U.N. Security Council’s approval of President Joe Biden’s truce proposal. The proposal envisions a ceasefire, phased release of hostages, and the eventual cessation of hostilities.
Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri, based outside Gaza, confirmed the group’s acceptance of the ceasefire resolution and willingness to negotiate the details. Abu Zuhri emphasized the need for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a hostage exchange. He called on the U.S. to ensure Israel complies with the U.N. resolution.
Blinken acknowledged the positive signals from Hamas but stressed the need for definitive confirmation from its leadership within Gaza. An unnamed senior Israeli government official asserted that the proposal aligns with Israel’s war objectives, reiterating Israel’s demand for the elimination of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and the unconditional release of all hostages.
The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of more than 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza has led to the deaths of at least 37,164 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and caused widespread destruction.
The U.S., Israel’s closest ally and major arms supplier, has increasingly criticized the high civilian casualty rate and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza have expressed skepticism regarding the U.N. Security Council vote, fearing it might not result in any tangible ceasefire.
Blinken highlighted the importance of planning for Gaza’s post-war future, addressing security, governance, and reconstruction in collaboration with regional partners. His Middle East trip included meetings with Israeli officials and discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a crucial mediator.
Amid ongoing hostilities, including intensified Israeli strikes on Rafah in southern Gaza, Blinken announced $404 million in aid for Palestinians at a conference in Jordan. He urged other donors to increase their contributions. Egyptian President al-Sisi called for international pressure on Israel to cease using hunger as a weapon and to facilitate humanitarian aid distribution.
The conflict’s intensity persisted, with Israeli forces conducting operations in Gaza, including a recent raid to rescue hostages, which resulted in significant Palestinian casualties. Despite previous assertions from President Biden that ceasefires were imminent, only one temporary truce has occurred, highlighting the challenge of achieving a lasting resolution.
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