Israeli officials are reportedly considering a small-scale Egyptian cease-fire proposal with Hamas. An Israeli security cabinet official said the potential cease-fire would involve the release of six Israeli hostages in exchange for a two week pause in fighting. The cease-fire would be temporary fix until a full-scale release of all 101 hostages could be secured.
The potential breakthrough comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Tuesday, Oct. 22, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog in the wake of the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said, “Secretary Blinken will discuss the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of the hostages and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. He will continue discussions with counterparts on post-conflict period planning and emphasize the need to chart a new path forward that enables Palestinians to rebuild their lives and realize their aspirations free from Hamas tyranny.”
Blinken is also expected to push for more humanitarian aid to get through to Gazans.
Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly optimistic the killing of Sinwar on Oct. 17 may spur more negotiations. However, U.S. officials admit that Washington D.C. does not know if anyone can negotiate on Hamas’ behalf without a clear leader.
Blinken will further be discussing plans to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon as violence continues to intensify in the region.
