Netanyahu backs new US ceasefire proposal, Hamas rejects it as biased

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on August 19 that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to a new "bridging proposal" for a Gaza ceasefire and a prisoner swap deal. However, Hamas dismissed the proposal, claiming it caters primarily to Israel's demands.

During a press briefing in Tel Aviv, Blinken stated that Netanyahu's acceptance of the proposal aligns with the cease-fire agreement presented by President Joe Biden on May 31, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Blinken urged Hamas to reciprocate, emphasizing that the next step is for both parties, with assistance from mediators like the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, to finalize and implement the agreement.

"During today's very productive meeting with [Israeli] Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu], he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the proposal to overcome [the differences] and supports it. Now it is up to Hamas to do the same," Blinken said.

"The parties, with the help of the mediators - the US, Egypt and Qatar - must then meet to finalise a mutual understanding on how to implement the provisions of the agreement. But the next important step must be Hamas‘ agreement," the US Secretary of State emphasised. "There are still complex issues that require tough decisions from leaders. And ultimately it is up to them," Blinken noted.

Netanyahu expressed his gratitude for the US’s understanding of Israel's security concerns and its support in efforts to free Israeli hostages in Gaza. He highlighted that the collaboration aims to secure the release of the maximum number of hostages in the initial phase of the deal.

Meanwhile, Hamas voiced its strong objections to the proposal, claiming that it largely reflects Netanyahu's conditions. The group criticized the proposal for not mandating a permanent cease-fire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, or the cessation of occupation at key locations like the Netzarim Junction, Rafah crossing, and the Philadelphi Corridor. Hamas also accused Netanyahu of introducing new conditions regarding the hostage swap, which they believe complicates the deal.

The US, Egypt, and Qatar had earlier proposed this "bridging proposal" to close gaps and expedite the implementation of the cease-fire and prisoner exchange. Despite the progress, Hamas insists on adhering to the terms agreed upon on July 2, stressing that Netanyahu's current stance obstructs the deal’s completion.

Back in May, Biden outlined a three-phase plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which includes a cease-fire, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza.