US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is set to embark on a mission to the Middle East next week in an attempt to broker a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as announced by the US State Department on Friday. This will mark Blinken’s eighth visit to the region since the conflict began in October 7. During his trip, he will visit Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan between June 10 and 12.
In recent developments, Qatar has confirmed that it had delivered a new Israeli proposal to Hamas, reflecting principles outlined by US President Joe Biden. The Qatari Foreign Ministry emphasized that efforts are being made to finalize an agreement between the two parties.
President Biden disclosed details of the new proposal for a truce in the Gaza Strip, stating that it consists of three stages. The proposal includes a ceasefire, release of detainees, return of Palestinians to their homes, exchange of prisoners, and a reconstruction plan for Gaza. Biden urged Tel Aviv’s leadership to support the new proposal and emphasized that failure to accept it could lead to continued conflict in Gaza.
Overall, various diplomatic efforts are underway aimed at reaching a sustainable ceasefire and resolving the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the region. The involvement of key stakeholders such as the US, Israel, Qatar, and other regional players underscores the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis.
