Friday , Nov. 29, 2024, 6:04 p.m.
News thumbnail
World / Thu, 13 Jun 2024 WION

US says some changes proposed by Hamas in ceasefire deal 'unworkable', will try to 'close the deal'

In Doha, he informed the reporters that a few of the changes were "workable" and others were not workable, but that the United States and mediators Qatar and Egypt will "try to close this deal". At a press conference, Blinken said that they were discussing the changes which were requested by Hamas to the US-backed ceasefire proposal. "Instead, Hamas waited nearly two weeks and then proposed more changes, a number of which go beyond positions that it had previously taken and accepted. As a result, the war that Hamas started… will go on, more people will suffer, Palestinians will suffer, more Israelis will suffer," he added. Even after facing setbacks, Blinken said the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, will "try to close this deal".

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said to the militant group Hamas that it is "time for the haggling to stop" after "numerous changes" were proposed by its leaders to a plan for a Gaza ceasefire as well as hostage release deal.

In Doha, he informed the reporters that a few of the changes were "workable" and others were not workable, but that the United States and mediators Qatar and Egypt will "try to close this deal".

On Tuesday (June 11), Hamas said that it was willing to "deal positively" with the process, however, it emphasised the need for Israel to agree to full withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire. According to The Times Of Israel, the main issue on which the deal is getting stuck is that the Palestinian terror group has been demanding an Israeli guarantee up front which will agree to a permanent ceasefire.

The proposal has not been publicly endorsed by Israel's prime minister which US President Joe Biden had claimed was offered by the country while outlining it 12 days ago.

However, Blinken said Benjamin Netanyahu had "reaffirmed his commitment" in a meeting in Jerusalem on Monday (June 10). A resolution was passed by the UNSC in support of the proposal and he added that Washington DC has been exerting diplomatic pressure.

At a press conference, Blinken said that they were discussing the changes which were requested by Hamas to the US-backed ceasefire proposal.

Also Read: More than 100 rockets fired towards Israel after the killing of Hezbollah commander

"A deal was on the table that was virtually identical to a proposal that Hamas put forward on 6 May - a deal that the entire world is behind, that Israel has accepted, and Hamas could have answered with a single word: 'yes'," Blinken said.

"Instead, Hamas waited nearly two weeks and then proposed more changes, a number of which go beyond positions that it had previously taken and accepted. As a result, the war that Hamas started… will go on, more people will suffer, Palestinians will suffer, more Israelis will suffer," he added.

Hamas issued a statement, in which the terror group called for "a complete halt of the ongoing aggression against Gaza" and the Israeli forces' full withdrawal.

Hamas political bureau's member Izzat al-Rishq said their response was "responsible, serious and positive" and had opened up "a wide pathway" for reaching an agreement.

Shift in conflict

Hamas, later in a statement, said that they have shown "full positivity" in its efforts to reach an agreement and have appealed to Blinken to put "direct pressure" on Israel.

Even after facing setbacks, Blinken said the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, will "try to close this deal".

Watch: Hezbollah vows escalation after killing of a commander by Israel "I believe those gaps are bridgeable. But that doesn't mean they will be bridged because, ultimately, Hamas has to decide," Blinken said.

Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said that both Israel and Hamas are required to make some concessions.

"We are witnessing a shift in this conflict in the recent period and there is a clear and firm call to end this war," he said.

"In the coming weeks, we will put forward proposals for key elements of a 'day after plan', including concrete ideas for how to manage governance, security, reconstruction," Blinken said.

(With inputs from agencies)

logo

Stay informed with the latest news and updates from around India and the world.We bring you credible news, captivating stories, and valuable insights every day

©All Rights Reserved.