“There may be a variety of work to be performed, however we proceed to imagine that an settlement is feasible and certainly important, and we’ll proceed to work relentlessly to attain it,” mentioned Mr. Blinken.
Hamas's response got here as a shock to Mr. Blinken and the White Home, who had little time to overview it earlier than being requested publicly. Qatari officers acquired the Hamas proposal simply an hour earlier than Mr Blinken arrived for his first assembly in Doha, and about three hours earlier than their joint press convention, a senior US official mentioned. who spoke on situation of anonymity to debate inner deliberations. Mr. Blinken's staff rapidly reviewed it after which knowledgeable White Home officers.
Mr Biden advised reporters in Washington that there had been “some motion” within the talks and that the Hamas proposal “appears to be a bit excessive”.
“There may be an ongoing negotiation now,” he mentioned.
In an announcement, Hamas mentioned it handled the framework proposed by the mediators “positively.” He didn’t elaborate however reiterated his earlier calls for, together with a everlasting ceasefire, the reconstruction of Gaza, an finish to Israel's blockade of the territory and the discharge of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
An Israeli official who was briefed on the matter recommended that Israel was dissatisfied with Hamas' response. The official, who was not licensed to handle the problem publicly and so spoke on situation of anonymity, mentioned Hamas wished a deal provided that it ensured its continued management of Gaza and ended the warfare – each circumstances rejected by Israel.
Israel's spy company, the Mossad, mentioned in an announcement that it had acquired Hamas' response from Qatar, “and its particulars are being examined in depth by all officers concerned within the negotiations.”
Egypt and Qatar have been key intermediaries, negotiating with Hamas leaders over a US-backed proposal that might quickly halt the warfare that has ravaged Gaza, free the remaining hostages there in change for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and permit extra meals. , water, drugs and different primary provides within the territory.
