Blinken's Diplomatic Push in Gaza: A Last Chance for Ceasefire

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken intensifies a diplomatic push to achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza, describing it as possibly the best and last opportunity. Talks are set to continue in Cairo this week, with hopes of securing an agreement amid increasing violence and urgent regional fears.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday described the latest diplomatic efforts by Washington to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza as "probably the best, maybe the last opportunity" and urgently called on all parties to finalize an agreement. The marathon talks, which have been ongoing for months, are expected to continue this week in Cairo after a recent two-day meeting in Doha.

Blinken is set to ramp up U.S. diplomatic pressure to ensure negotiators can secure a breakthrough, particularly after Washington presented bridging proposals last week. These proposals are believed to narrow gaps between the warring sides. "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 stated before his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Blinken emphasized that he is part of an intensive diplomatic effort, under President Biden's instructions, to finalize the agreement. "It's time for everyone to get to yes and to not look for any excuses to say no," he added. Mediating countries, including Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, have struggled to narrow enough differences to reach an agreement, with violence continuing in Gaza. The urgency for a ceasefire has increased amid fears of broader regional escalation, particularly after threats of retaliation by Iran following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

Hours after Blinken's arrival, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of hindering mediators' efforts, thereby putting Israeli hostages in Gaza at risk. The war, which started on October 7 with a Hamas attack on Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with over 1,200 Israelis and 40,000 Palestinians killed. Blinken reiterated U.S. caution against further escalation, emphasizing the need to avoid any provocations that could derail the process.

(With inputs from agencies.)