(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In an epic failure for the Biden-Harris administration, Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up his ninth Middle East visit since the Gaza war began without securing a major breakthrough for a cease-fire deal.
Blinken warned that “time is of the essence” even though both Hamas and Israel showed that challenges still exist.
After meetings in Egypt and Qatar, Blinken noted that since Israel accepted a proposal to address issues with Hamas, the focus now is on making sure Hamas agrees to key details for implementation.
“Our message is simple. It’s clear and it’s urgent,” he told reporters before leaving Qatar. “We need to get a cease-fire and hostage agreement over the finish line, and we need to do it now. Time is of the essence.”
Recent targeted killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in Iran and Lebanon, attributed to Israel, have added urgency to the situation, sparking fears of a broader regional conflict.
Details about the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar’s bridging proposal remain scarce. Blinken said it clearly outlines the schedule and locations for Israeli military withdrawals from Gaza.
Moreover, Hamas criticized the latest proposal, claiming it reversed previous agreements and accused the U.S. of yielding to new demands from Israel. The U.S. had no immediate response to this.
Blinken’s remarks after this latest peace mission were notably less optimistic than the Biden administration’s earlier statements. Jonathan Panikoff from the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Program noted that the upbeat tone earlier in the year was partly to maintain momentum.
The core issue remains with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 attacks and are both seen as skeptical about peace.
In addition, Netanyahu recently met with right-wing groups of families affected by the Gaza conflict who oppose a cease-fire. These groups reported that Netanyahu assured them Israel would not abandon key strategic areas in Gaza.
Furthermore, both Netanyahu and Sinwar have seen their domestic political support grow as attention shifts from the Gaza war to potential conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah. This shift has reduced pressure on both leaders to finalize a deal.
Netanyahu’s meeting with affected families came as Israel’s military reported recovering the bodies of six hostages taken in the October 7 attack, intensifying grief for many Israelis who have urged Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire to bring the remaining hostages home.
The recovery of the remains is a setback for Hamas, which hoped to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli withdrawals, and a lasting cease-fire.
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