US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has just concluded his ninth visit to the Middle East since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict, with no agreement on a cease-fire reached. He pressed for the finalization of a ceasefire and hostage deal, saying "time is of essence" as both Hamas and Israel have huge challenges lying ahead.
Last week, Blinken met separately with officials in Egypt and Qatar—traditional mediators—and said he was working on a proposal to help bridge the gaps between the conflicting parties. The plan involves military withdrawal by Israel from Gaza, but Hamas has rejected it, saying it adds new conditions from Israel.
Sources close to the prime minister say that during a meeting with right-wing groups, Netanyahu said that Israel would retain two strategic corridors in the Gaza Strip, which has become a sticking point in negotiations. Reports quote Netanyahu saying that Israel would retain two strategic corridors in the Gaza Strip, which had emerged as a potential deal-breaker in the negotiations.
This has been exacerbated by the recent targeted killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, raising fears over a broader regional conflict. Protests continue in Israel with the families of fallen soldiers and hostages demanding action and a cease-fire.
The latest: Israeli forces recovered the remains of six hostages, adding even more grief and calls for resolution. Military actions by Israel have killed hundreds in Gaza, displaced thousands, with reports an airstrike killed at least 12 people at a school-turned-shelter, further strikes causing additional deaths. Humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza as so many have been displaced and remain in horrible conditions.
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