In a significant move towards peace in the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed on Tuesday that he has engaged in talks with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, about establishing an extended ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
During a press conference in Washington with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, Blinken stated that their earlier meeting that day focused on ongoing efforts to free Israeli detainees and to create a prolonged truce in the Gaza conflict.
Furthermore, the U.S. State Department, in a subsequent statement, emphasized that Blinken and Al Thani discussed the importance of facilitating the immediate release of all detainees held by Hamas.
The two sides agreed to continue their close coordination in providing more humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and advocated for the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Blinken expressed his gratitude for Qatar’s indispensable mediation efforts since October 7 and emphasized the United States’ commitment to a more peaceful, integrated, and prosperous Middle East, ensuring security for Israel and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Qatar, Egypt, and Washington continue their efforts to broker an agreement between Israel and Hamas for a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire in Gaza.
According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, a preliminary mediation proposal includes the release of 35 Israeli detainees in exchange for a six-week cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the release of thousands of Palestinians from Israeli prisons.
Israeli estimates indicate the presence of approximately 136 Israeli prisoners in Gaza, while Israel holds no fewer than 8,800 Palestinians, as per official sources from both sides.
Since October 7, the Israeli military has waged a devastating war on the Gaza Strip, resulting in 26,751 deaths and 65,636 injuries, mostly among children and women, as reported by Palestinian authorities.
The United Nations has described the situation as causing “enormous destruction and an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.”
This ongoing dialogue and proposed ceasefire mark a critical juncture in the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting international efforts towards achieving lasting peace in the region.
