Blinken says some Hamas proposals for the Gaza truce are ‘unworkable.’
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said some changes proposed by Hamas to Washington’s ceasefire plan for Gaza were unviable.
Speaking in Doha alongside Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Blinken noted the Israel-Gaza conflict would continue due to Hamas’ response.
“Hamas proposed numerous changes to the earlier proposal that was supported globally and accepted by Israel,” he said.
The top US diplomat held talks with Egyptian counterparts and the Qatari PM on Hamas’ feedback to the multi-phase truce blueprint. It involved Israeli troop withdrawal and permanent calm.
Some modifications suggested by Hamas were practical, but others exceeded prior positions, Blinken observed. The group and Islamic Jihad had termed their response “responsible” and “positive.”
When President Joe Biden unveiled the plan on May 31, he cited its scope to end the Gaza offensive and hostilities for good.
Confusion remains over discrepancies between Hamas’ stance and the American proposal. Earlier, Blinken squarely blamed Hamas for scuttling a deal many endorsed.
Hamas delayed replying while a solution was within grasp and then added more conditions, he said. Efforts continue to find common ground for Gaza peace.
