US and Israel Reject Hamas’ Latest Hostage Deal, Blinken Departs Middle East with Little Progress
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has concluded his visit to the Middle East after the United States and Israel rejected the latest hostage deal proposed by Hamas. Blinken had been engaged in negotiations with Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas over a potential agreement for the release of hostages. However, the proposal put forward by Hamas on Tuesday was deemed unrealistic by both Israel and the US, resulting in little progress being made.
Blinken acknowledged that there were certain aspects of the Hamas proposal that were “absolute non-starters” but expressed optimism about the possibility of continuing negotiations. He emphasized that reaching an agreement is a complex process that involves back and forth discussions rather than a simple “yes” or “no” decision.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was less diplomatic in his response, referring to the Hamas proposal as “delusional.” He reiterated his commitment to eradicating the terrorist organization and stated that the war in Gaza would persist until this goal is achieved.
Hamas’ proposed plan involved a phased release of Israeli hostages, with women and children being released first. In return, Hamas demanded the release of 1,500 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, including 500 individuals chosen by Hamas from a list of those serving life sentences. Male hostages over the age of 19 would have been released after the initial 45-day phase, at which point Israeli forces would have fully withdrawn from Gaza.
Despite the rejection of the Hamas deal, Blinken criticized Israel for the continued loss of civilian lives in Gaza. He acknowledged that Israel has taken steps to protect civilians but emphasized that the toll on innocent lives remains too high. Netanyahu, on the other hand, remained resolute in his stance and vowed to continue the war until Hamas is completely eliminated.
Blinken also made reference to Saudi Arabia’s willingness to establish formal ties with Israel, provided that Palestinians are given a clear path to an independent state. However, Netanyahu has rejected this condition.
The rejection of the Hamas proposal highlights the ongoing challenges in reaching a peaceful resolution in the region. While negotiations continue, the toll on civilian lives remains a pressing concern. The international community, including the United States, is committed to pursuing a diplomatic path towards a just and lasting peace that ensures the security of all parties involved.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. For tips, you can reach him at Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
