Blinken: Gaza Cease-Fire Could Have Been Reached Earlier
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated in an interview with CNN that a Gaza cease-fire agreement might have been achieved months ago, potentially saving many lives. Responding to whether the delay cost lives, Blinken acknowledged, "Should this have happened months ago? Yes. Could it have happened months ago? Yes." He attributed much of the delay to decisions made by Hamas, which he accused of refusing to engage in negotiations, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
Despite the challenges, Blinken confirmed that US efforts had advanced the process, with an agreement now imminent. Qatar’s prime minister announced that mediation by Doha, Cairo, and Washington had secured a deal between Israel and Hamas, set to begin Sunday in three phases. The agreement includes a cease-fire, the release of Israeli hostages, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli officials delayed a Cabinet vote, citing claims that Hamas backtracked on parts of the deal.
Barghouti Warns Against Netanyahu Blocking the Deal
Palestinian National Initiative President Mustafa Barghouti expressed concern that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might obstruct the agreement, as he allegedly has done in the past. Barghouti emphasized that Netanyahu’s delays have cost thousands of Palestinian and Israeli lives, stating, "We could have had this deal back on the 3rd of July last year." He accused Netanyahu of prioritizing political interests over lives, including the deaths caused by Israeli bombardments.
