Hamas Denies Blinken’s Ceasefire Remarks, Criticizes US Support for Israel
Hamas has openly challenged U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s assertion that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted a revised proposal to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan dismissed Blinken’s claims, suggesting that the U.S. is enabling Israel to delay a ceasefire.
Hamdan criticized the U.S. for allegedly caving to Israeli pressure, stating, “When Blinken says the Israelis agreed, and then the Israelis mention an updated proposal, it indicates that the U.S. is being influenced by Israel rather than leading the negotiations. We view this as a tactic to provide Israel with more time.”
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Hamas insists that it had already accepted U.S. President Joe Biden’s previous proposal and the UN Security Council’s decision to end the war. However, the group accuses Netanyahu of obstructing the process by refusing to commit to a permanent ceasefire and a full withdrawal from Gaza, instead aiming to maintain strategic positions within the besieged territory.
Pressure is mounting on Netanyahu, with calls from Western ally Jordan, relatives of hostages, and protesters in Tel Aviv to push forward with an agreement. Despite this, Netanyahu has remained silent on whether he has accepted the latest proposal presented by Blinken.
Hamas also expressed its diminishing trust in the U.S. as a mediator, accusing American negotiators of siding with Israel as new demands are made that Hamas considers unacceptable. Hamdan further noted that Hamas’ new political chief and negotiator, Yahya Sinwar, remains actively involved in the ceasefire talks despite security challenges.
After months of stalled negotiations involving U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, Blinken is set to visit Egypt, where ceasefire discussions are expected to continue, followed by a visit to Qatar.
