Blinken Expresses Regret Over Hamas Rejection of New Truce Proposal

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has attributed Hamas’ rejection of a short-term truce in Gaza to the group’s insistence on a permanent ceasefire instead. Following a proposal from Egypt and Qatar, which Hamas dismissed, Blinken emphasized that Hamas has again refused to release even a small number of hostages to facilitate a ceasefire and relief for Gaza’s residents, according to a State Department report.

In a recent call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Blinken stressed the urgency of ending the conflict, freeing hostages, and ensuring a steady flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. President Joe Biden had proposed a ceasefire plan on May 31, including a hostage release provision, though Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained the need for Israeli troops along the Egyptian border.

CIA Director Bill Burns has discussed potential progress in Qatar with his Mossad counterpart, including a temporary ceasefire aimed at releasing some hostages, as reported by a source familiar with the dialogue. Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have advised that the U.S. may hold back certain arms to Israel unless it improves the flow of aid into Gaza.

Additionally, Blinken encouraged Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to continue increasing and maintaining essential humanitarian supplies, such as food and medicine, to Gaza’s civilian population.

Meanwhile, Israel’s parliament recently decided to restrict its dealings with the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), despite Blinken’s direct appeal for cooperation. Blinken has also been actively pursuing a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that could enable both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to return home safely.