Ceasefire deal should be 'no-brainer' for Hamas: Blinken
The Straits Times|May 05, 2024
He says the militant group is only obstacle standing between the people of Gaza and a truce
Ceasefire deal should be 'no-brainer' for Hamas: Blinken

Accepting a ceasefire deal with Israel should be a "no-brainer" for Hamas, but the motivations of the militants' elusive Gaza-based leadership remain unclear, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Hamas negotiators arrived in Cairo on May 4 for new talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, where the war between the Iran-backed militant group and Israel is nearing the seven-month mark.

"We wait to see whether, in effect, they can take yes for an answer on the ceasefire and release of hostages," Mr Blinken said late on May 3.

"The reality in this moment is the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas." Noting that the militants "purport to represent" the Palestinian people, Mr Blinken said: "If it is true, then taking the ceasefire should be a no-brainer." He added: "But maybe something else is going on, and we'll have a better picture of that in the coming days." Reports in Saudi Arabian media that could not be independently confirmed suggested Hamas negotiators were prepared to accept an Egypt-brokered deal within hours.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 05, 2024 من The Straits Times.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة May 05, 2024 من The Straits Times.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

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