US Secretary of State Blinken urges Hamas to accept US proposal to end Gaza war

The negotiations, which had stalled last week in Qatar, are expected to resume with the US proposal aimed at bridging the gaps between Israel and Hamas.

Despite Blinken’s optimism, tensions remain high. Hamas announced the resumption of suicide bombings in Israel after many years, and Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza on Monday.

“In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the bridging proposal – that he supports it,” Blinken stated. “It’s now incumbent on Hamas to do the same.”

The proposed deal, supported by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, faces significant challenges. Both Israel and Hamas have signaled that reaching a final agreement will be difficult.

While Israel insists that the war can only end with the destruction of Hamas, the group demands a permanent ceasefire and disputes remain over Israel’s military presence in Gaza, the movement of Palestinians, and the conditions of a prisoner swap.

The conflict, which began on October 7 last year, has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Hamas launched the war by attacking Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages.

Israel’s military response has devastated much of Gaza, displacing nearly all of its 2.3 million residents and leading to severe humanitarian crises, with at least 40,000 Palestinians killed according to local health authorities.

As the situation remains volatile, the outcome of the resumed talks will be crucial in determining the future of the region.

(With inputs from Reuters)

From the homepage

Police in UP link Sambhal violence to Dubai gangster, issue lookout circular for ‘supplying weapons’

Zubeen Garg, Assamese superstar and voice of a generation, dies in Singapore scuba diving accident

Hindi film Homebound is India’s official entry for Oscars 2026