Blinken: Truce Possible, Hamas Delegation Resumes Cairo Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remains optimistic about reaching a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, despite ongoing challenges.

This optimism was shared late Wednesday following discussions with Israeli officials regarding Hamas’ reaction to a truce proposition put forward by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Blinken acknowledged that although Hamas’ response included some unacceptable terms, it nevertheless opened the door for potential agreement.

Earlier that day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had dismissed critical demands from Hamas, casting doubts on the progress of ceasefire negotiations.

In response to the situation, a high-ranking official from Hamas, Osama Hamdan, announced that the organization plans to send a team to Cairo for further discussions on a ceasefire and the release of hostages. This announcement came shortly after Netanyahu’s rejection of Hamas’ proposal.

Although Hamdan did not specify the timing of the delegation’s departure, their readiness to proceed to Cairo indicates that dialogue continues despite the apparent standoff between Hamas and Netanyahu.

Hamdan, speaking from Beirut, emphasized that Hamas is open to modifying its conditions to achieve a lasting ceasefire. He also urged the group’s fighters to persist in their engagements with the Israeli military.