DOHA — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's high-stakes mission to broker a ceasefire in Gaza has faltered, leaving key players in the Middle East grappling with unresolved tensions. Blinken's visit to the region, which included meetings with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Qatari officials, concluded on Tuesday without securing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The visit was aimed at advancing a US "bridging proposal" intended to reconcile differences between the two warring sides in the 10-month-long conflict. Despite his earnest efforts and urgent appeals for a resolution, Blinken departed the region without achieving the desired breakthrough.
During his trip, Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who signaled willingness to endorse the US proposal. However, Hamas has yet to fully embrace the terms, contending that the proposal undermines previously agreed-upon conditions. The core contention lies in the future of the Philadelphi Corridor—a buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza. Israel insists on maintaining a military presence in this area to prevent weapons smuggling, while Hamas and Egypt oppose this stance.
Blinken reassured that the US opposes any long-term Israeli occupation of Gaza, emphasizing that the proposal includes a definitive schedule for Israeli troop withdrawals. Additionally, sources suggest that an international presence in the Philadelphi Corridor for up to six months might be a compromise acceptable to Egypt.
Egyptian President Sisi highlighted that a successful ceasefire should pave the way for international recognition of a Palestinian state and the implementation of a two-state solution—an outcome he deems vital for regional stability.
The conflict, ignited on October 7 when Hamas launched attacks on Israeli communities, has resulted in over 40,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities. Blinken described the ongoing ceasefire efforts as "probably the best, possibly the last opportunity" to resolve the crisis.
Despite Blinken’s interventions, Hamas has accused him of dishonesty, which it argues has impeded the chances of reaching a deal. Qatar, a significant mediator in the talks, remains committed to facilitating both a ceasefire and a potential prisoner exchange.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with continued Israeli military operations and a worsening humanitarian crisis. On Tuesday, Israeli forces recovered the bodies of six hostages from southern Gaza, leaving 109 hostages still unaccounted for. The conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, with recent Israeli strikes resulting in additional casualties among civilians and displaced persons.
As the crisis unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for renewed efforts to bring about a lasting resolution and alleviate the suffering of those affected by the ongoing violence.