Hamas received 'extraordinarily generous' ceasefire proposal from Israel, says Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed on Monday a proposal for a ceasefire presented to Hamas by Israel, characterising it as «extraordinarily generous,» CNN reported.
«In this moment the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas,» he told World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende in the Saudi capital Riyadh. «They (Hamas) have to decide and they have to decide quickly,» he said. «I'm hopeful that they will make the right decision.»
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, also present in Riyadh, shared a similar sentiment, expressing optimism about the proposal's acceptance by both Israel and Hamas.
«There is a proposal on the table, up to the two sides to consider and accept but certainly the objective is a ceasefire, a permanent ceasefire and dealing with the humanitarian conditions,» Shoukry told a panel at the WEF in Riyadh on Monday, according to CNN.
He also said that he is hopeful «the proposal has been taken into account» and that «we are waiting to have a final decision.»
Israeli officials signaled willingness to engage in negotiations aimed at restoring lasting peace. A source familiar with the discussions, as cited by CNN, disclosed Egypt's suggestion of a one-year ceasefire, contingent upon Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza and the release of hostages and deceased individuals. This proposal illustrates efforts toward a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
Hamas has maintained that a
