Israel Accepts “Bridging Proposal” for Potential Ceasefire in Gaza
Blinken nor Herzog have yet to say whether or not this new proposal addresses the concerns cited by the Palestinian military organization (Adam Jang/Unsplash).
The United States and Israel are now calling on Hamas to do the same and accept it.
Article by Ryan Hartnett, Senior White House Producer
TEL AVIV, Israel - On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a hostage release and ceasefire in Gaza.
After a 2.5 hour meeting, Blinken and Israeli President Isaac Herzog are now calling on the leaders of Hamas to do the same and accept this proposal.
At this time, Hamas has yet to accept the proposal laid out by the United States and Israel and there is no indication as to whether or not they will accept this proposal.
“This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security,” Blinken told reporters following his meeting with the Israeli President.
The evolving proposal calls for a three phase process in which Hamas would release all hostages during its Oct. 7 attack. In return, Israel would release its Palestinian prisoners and withdraw military forces from Gaza.
In a previous proposal, Hamas accused Israel of adding new demands to maintain a military presence along the border of Gaza and Egypt. Hamas believes these demands would prevent arms smuggling and bisect the territory to search Palestinians returning to their homes in the north.
Blinken nor Herzog have yet to say whether or not this new proposal addresses the concerns cited by the Palestinian military organization.