Israel Blinken: Gaza deal closer "than ever before" - waiting for Hamas
According to the US government, an agreement on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip is closer than "ever before". The ball is now in Hamas' court, said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the US capital Washington. "Right now, as we sit here, we are waiting for the final word from Hamas on their agreement." He assumed that an agreement would be reached, Blinken said. However, the US Secretary of State left open whether this could be achieved before the handover of power to future US President Donald Trump next Monday.
14.01.2025, 18:20
SDA
According to Israeli media, a three-stage plan for a ceasefire was drawn up in the Qatari capital Doha. According to the Israeli TV station Channel 13, the plan provides for a 42-day ceasefire in the first phase. During this time, 33 hostages are to be released, most of whom are still alive, while the others are to be handed over their bodies.
Protesters disrupt Blinken's speech
Blinken's speech was interrupted several times by demonstrators. "You will forever be known as the foreign minister of genocide. The blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent people is on your hands," shouted one demonstrator, referring to the situation in the Gaza Strip. "Thank you very much. I respect your views. Allow me to share mine," Blinken responded. Another demonstrator called Blinken a "war criminal" and a "monster". Referring to the situation in the Middle East, Blinken later said, "I wish I could stand here today and tell you with certainty that we made every decision right. But I can't."
Blinken talks about the future of the Gaza Strip
In his speech, Blinken once again outlined a plan for the future of the Gaza Strip. The following principles were central to this: a "new Palestinian-led government that unites the Gaza Strip with the West Bank" and is subordinate to the Palestinian Authority, "no Israeli military occupation of the Gaza Strip", "no reduction in the size of the Gaza Strip" and "no attempt to besiege or blockade it after the conflict". The population there must also not be forcibly displaced. There must be a "sustainable mechanism for recovery and reconstruction", Blinken demanded.
