‘This is a decisive moment’ in Gaza war cease-fire talks: Blinken

Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday, Aug. 18, to meet with top officials as negotiations continue for a Gaza cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. This marks his ninth visit to the region since the Israel-Hamas war began in October.

“This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a cease-fire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security,” Blinken said during a press conference in Tel Aviv.

The talks will shift to Egypt later on Tuesday, Aug. 20, as the U.S. works with Egyptian and Qatari representatives to mediate an agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed “cautious optimism” about the chances of a deal, but Hamas has accused Israel of stalling negotiations in order to continue military operations in Gaza.

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The war erupted on Oct. 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack in southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent airstrikes in Gaza have killed more than 40,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. Blinken urged restraint from all parties, warning against any actions that could derail the talks.

Shortly after Blinken’s arrival, Hamas accused Netanyahu of obstructing the mediators’ efforts, delaying a potential agreement, and putting Israeli hostages in Gaza at risk of the same violence faced by Palestinians.

Concerns about a potential escalation involving Iran remain high, following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.