Blinken: Hamas Prevents Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Hamas of obstructing a ceasefire in Gaza on Monday, June 11. Blinken returned to the Middle East to promote President Joe Biden's latest proposal to end the Gaza war. According to Reuters, before heading to Israel, Blinken met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo and stated that Hamas is the only party that has not yet agreed to Biden's proposal. In Egypt, Blinken urged 'governments and people in the region' to pressure Hamas 'to accept a ceasefire.' Washington claims that Biden's plan had the support of Israel before it was announced by the U.S. President. The proposal includes a three-phase ceasefire that ultimately aims for a permanent end to the war. However, Israel insists it will only agree to temporary pauses in fighting, as its goal is the complete defeat of Hamas. Hamas, on the other hand, states that it will not accept a ceasefire plan without guarantees for the end of the war. Blinken's trip comes as Washington seeks to increase pressure on both Hamas and Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and ensure the conflict does not expand into Lebanon. After meeting with el-Sisi, Blinken traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. This marks Blinken's eighth trip to the Middle East since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Palestinian militants in southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of around 250 individuals. Following this attack, Israel launched an offensive on Gaza, declaring it would continue until 'Hamas is destroyed.' The U.S., Canada, the UK, the EU, Japan, and Israel are among the countries that have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. As the conflict in Gaza continues, there is a risk of another widespread war at Israel's northern border with Lebanon. On Monday, Hezbollah militants in Lebanon announced that their air defense had shot down an Israeli attack drone over southern Lebanon, which the Israeli military confirmed. Biden's open criticism of Netanyahu suggests there are 'compelling reasons' to believe he has prolonged the conflict to maintain political power. Benny Gantz announced his resignation from Netanyahu's emergency government. Mediators in Doha continue their efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, and Sullivan called for Hamas to accept Israel's conditions for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.