U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Hamas to accept Israel's latest cease-fire and hostage-release agreement. Blinken, speaking in Ashdod, Israel, noted "meaningful progress" in increasing aid to Gaza. He also mentioned a maritime corridor for aid deliveries, expected to be operational in about a week, facilitated by a temporary pier constructed by the U.S. military.
Israel's proposal includes significant compromises demonstrating its commitment to the deal, Blinken stated after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposal aims to achieve an immediate cease-fire, return hostages, and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza in the short term, Blinken added before leaving Israel.
Hamas officials have stated that the group is still reviewing the proposal and have requested patience as they consider it. "There is movement on some points and a need for negotiation," said Hamas official Basem Naim.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on ongoing military activities and preparations for future operations in Gaza, according to Gallant's adviser Betty Ilovici. Concerns are growing over a potential Israeli ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza.
Fifty-seven Democratic lawmakers have signed an open letter urging President Biden to withhold sending offensive weaponry and military support to Israel that could be used in an assault on Rafah. The letter, led by Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), comes amid the escalating conflict.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported at least 34,596 deaths and 77,816 injuries in Gaza since the conflict began, with the majority of the dead being women and children. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's Oct. 7 attack, including more than 300 soldiers, with 263 soldiers killed since the start of its military operation in Gaza.
More than 10,000 people are estimated to be missing under the rubble in Gaza, according to the United Nations humanitarian affairs office, which has cited the Palestinian Civil Defense.
Volunteer teams are working to find missing Palestinians in destroyed buildings. However, without equipment such as bulldozers, which were destroyed during the war, the effort could take years, added the Palestinian Civil Defense.
The U.N. Mine Action Program estimates that there are 37 million tons of rubble in Gaza.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced the suspension of diplomatic relations with Israel, making Colombia the largest country to sever ties amid the conflict in Gaza. Petro described Israel's government and president as "genocidal" and pledged solidarity with Palestine during a Worker's Day celebration.
Colleges and universities are grappling with the aftermath of police actions that cleared some protest encampments and emptied a Manhattan classroom building following pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Blinken has emphasized the need for accelerated and sustained progress in Gaza, urging Hamas to accept the cease-fire and hostage-release agreement proposed by Israel. He highlighted that the whole world is watching Hamas's response, which could indicate its true intentions toward the Palestinian people.
Blinken's focus in talks with Israeli officials was on securing a halt to the fighting, releasing hostages, and potentially building a lasting peace on the foundation of a cease-fire agreement.