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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Hamas to consider the latest ceasefire and hostage-release agreement proposed by Israel. Speaking in Ashdod, Israel, on Wednesday, Blinken noted "meaningful progress" in increasing aid to Gaza. He also mentioned a maritime corridor for deliveries, which is expected to be operational in about a week, facilitated by a temporary pier constructed by the U.S. military.
Israel's proposal includes what Blinken called "very important compromises," indicating Israel's commitment to reaching an agreement. After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken stated that the proposal aims to achieve an immediate ceasefire, return hostages, and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza in the short term.
However, Hamas officials stated on Thursday that the group is still reviewing the proposal and requested patience. Basem Naim, a Hamas official, mentioned that there is movement on some points and the need for negotiation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the Israeli military's activities and preparations in Gaza. There are concerns about a potential Israeli ground invasion of Rafah, a southern city in Gaza.
Fifty-seven Democratic lawmakers have signed an open letter urging President Biden to withhold offensive weaponry and military support that could be used in an assault on Rafah. This letter was led by Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Madeleine Dean.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that at least 34,596 people have been killed and 77,816 injured since the war began. The majority of the dead are women and children. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's October 7 attack, including over 300 soldiers, with 263 soldiers killed since the launch of its military operation in Gaza.
More than 10,000 people are believed to be missing under the rubble in Gaza, according to the United Nations humanitarian affairs office, citing the Palestinian Civil Defense. Volunteer teams are working to find missing Palestinians, but the effort is challenging without equipment like bulldozers, which were destroyed during the war.
The U.N. Mine Action Program estimates that there are 37 million tons of rubble in Gaza. The estimated 10,000 missing individuals are not included in the Gaza Health Ministry's official death toll, which has reached about 34,500.
Hamas officials have indicated that they need time to consider the latest ceasefire and hostage-release proposal. Suhail al-Hindi, another Hamas official, emphasized the need for patience, stating that there is "nothing new yet" and that the agreement is complex and requires careful consideration.
In conclusion, while the proposal presents a potential path to ceasefire and hostage release, its success remains uncertain, with Hamas officials indicating that surprises could occur in the negotiations.