Over the weekend, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed that the US cannot back Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah without a “credible plan” to protect civilians.
Blinken also discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, highlighting that Hamas should readily accept the ceasefire deal proposed by Israel.
He pointed out that the leadership of Hamas is elusive about their intentions, complicating the peace process.
On Saturday, Hamas sent representatives to Cairo to continue Egypt- and Qatar-brokered negotiations aimed at temporarily halting Israel’s offensive in exchange for the release of hostages.
“We wait to see whether, in effect, they can take yes for an answer on the ceasefire and release of hostages,” Blinken remarked late Friday. He emphasized that Hamas is currently the main barrier to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
