British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated on Monday that there is a potential for a "sustained" 40-day cease-fire in Gaza. Blinken described the proposal as "extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel." A former Egyptian official familiar with the talks mentioned that the initial truce would involve the release of 33 hostages, though Israel had initially demanded the release of 40.
Some members of Congress are cautioning against potential backlash if the International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for senior Israeli political figures, as suggested by Israeli media but not confirmed by the court. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) expressed on social media that the ICC "should stand down on this immediately."
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 34,488 people have been killed and 77,643 injured in Gaza since the war began. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and combatants but states that the majority of the deceased are women and children.
Israel estimates that approximately 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's October 7 attack, including more than 300 soldiers. Israel also reports that 263 soldiers have been killed since the launch of its military operation in Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is continuing his tour of the Middle East, heading to Jordan and Israel with a focus on providing more humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
In Jordan, Blinken is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi in Amman and Jordanian King Abdullah II, who has long advocated for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and has personally participated in airdrops to the enclave. Blinken's visit, his seventh to the region since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, comes amid renewed optimism that negotiations could lead to a cease-fire.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday, Blinken addressed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that the most effective way to "alleviate the suffering... is to achieve a cease-fire and bring the hostages home." He also mentioned that the United States was urging Israel to take measures to protect civilians, improve humanitarian conditions, and ensure the safety of aid workers
Mediators expressed hope on Monday that Israel and Hamas were moving closer to an agreement to stop fighting in Gaza and release dozens of Israeli hostages — a final opportunity to prevent a return to full-scale war. The optimism followed Israel presenting terms to negotiators last week that softened its stance and "broke new ground," according to an Israeli official familiar with the talks. A Hamas official in Turkey told The Washington Post, "There is hope," but emphasized that key points require clarification. Hamas negotiators are expected in Egypt on Monday, with any final decision resting with the group's leader, Yehiya Sinwar, believed to be in hiding in Gaza's tunnels. Israel is preparing to send its own negotiators after the Passover holiday.