IRIA News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Cairo to engage with Arab and Muslim leadership as a proposal for a ceasefire deal approved by President Joe Biden hangs in the balance. Blinken’s visit comes at a critical time as international efforts intensify to broker peace and end the violence in Gaza.

Blinken’s latest trip to the Middle East is his eighth since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. During his talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Blinken advocated for the ceasefire proposal. While in Israel on the second leg of his trip, Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

The U.S. proposal, which also got approval from the United Nations Security Council member states, faces new uncertainty following Israel’s hostage rescue operation, which resulted in many Palestinian casualties, and growing turmoil within Netanyahu’s government.

During his meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister, Blinken said that “the United States and other world leaders will stand behind the comprehensive proposal outlined by President Biden that would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance for distribution throughout Gaza,” the State Department reported.

In Israel today, I met with @YairLapid, @GantzBe, and @Isaac_Herzog to underscore that a ceasefire agreement that secures the release of all hostages would benefit both Israelis and Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/2uT2lo9Vmz

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) June 11, 2024

Although Israel is the one delaying the ceasefire proposal, Blinken emphasized that Hamas needed to accept the three-phase peace proposal involving the release of hostages and an end to fighting. “If you want a cease-fire, press Hamas to say yes,” he told reporters before leaving the Egyptian capital.

Mounting pressure on Netanyahu

The pressure has been mounting on Israeli leadership to halt military activities in Gaza as the civilian casualties are rising. Gaza health ministry reported at least 274 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in an Israeli air and ground raid that rescued four hostages held by Hamas. The ministry added that 700 people had been wounded in the operation. The raid has further intensified international calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid for the affected civilians.

In reaction to the news out of Gaza, the EU’s top foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, said that the EU “condemns this in the strongest terms” and that “the bloodbath must end immediately.” Borrell’s strong condemnation highlights the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further loss of life and to facilitate a peaceful resolution.

These developments have had significant political repercussions within Israel as well. Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s war cabinet, resigned on Sunday, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of mismanaging the war effort and putting his political needs over the country’s.

Gadi Eisenkot, a former Israeli chief of staff and observer in the War Cabinet, also announced his resignation last week. The high-profile resignations underscore the growing dissent within the Israeli government regarding the handling of the conflict.

Netanyahu, who controls a majority coalition in Israel’s parliament, is not immediately impacted by Gantz’s departure. However, within his parliament, he might find himself more reliant on far-right allies who oppose the U.S.-backed ceasefire deal. This internal political shift could complicate efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement.

Gaza humanitarian crisis summit

In Jordan, Blinken, along with several other world leaders, attended a summit discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Jordan and Egypt urged for urgent talks on the Dead Sea as aid groups warned that conditions in Gaza were worse than ever, with over two million people dependent on sporadic aid deliveries. The U.S. pledged $404 million for food, drinking water, health supplies, and other aid for the Palestinians.

We came together in Jordan today to underscore the imperative of taking bold, immediate actions to help civilians in Gaza and to do it now. It is time for everyone to step up.

The U.S. is doing its part. We're giving an additional $404 million in new aid to Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/edZMpM1ZjR

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) June 11, 2024

The summit, hosted by Jordanian King Abdullah bin Al Hussein, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, focused on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the urgent need for a ceasefire. The involvement of key regional and international leaders underscores the global significance of resolving this conflict and the collective desire to bring about peace.

Meeting with Indonesian leadership

Indonesia’s current Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto met with the United States Secretary of State in Amman, after the two attended the summit discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

“Minister Prabowo stated that Indonesia welcomed the adoption of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2735 proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden with a three-phase proposal for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” Indonesia’s Head of the Public Relations Bureau, Brigadier General Edwin Adrian Sumantha, said in a statement.

Prabowo also expressed Indonesia’s readiness to cooperate with countries currently seeking mediation between Palestine and Israel, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. “Indonesia is ready to work with the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to ensure negotiations continue and realize a permanent ceasefire in Palestine. An immediate, full, and comprehensive ceasefire is essential to revive the peace process,” Prabowo told Blinken.

Blinken welcomed Indonesia’s commitment and emphasized the U.S. commitment to implement the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the earliest. “Thank you, Minister Prabowo, thank you for Indonesia’s support for the proposal of immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages,” Blinken remarked.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken also met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan in Jordan and talked about the importance of Hamas accepting the ceasefire proposal that is on the table and the urgency of bringing an end to the ongoing war in Gaza.

As Blinken continues his diplomatic tour, the world watches closely, hoping that these efforts will lead to a sustainable peace agreement. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community’s role in facilitating dialogue and negotiation is more critical than ever. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the proposed ceasefire can be achieved and if a new path toward peace can be forged in this long-standing conflict.