US and Britain call on Hamas to accept Israel's truce offer

The United States and Britain called on Hamas to accept Israel's offer of a truce in the war as soon as possible and to release Israeli hostages.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Reuters.

"Hamas has received a proposal for consideration that is extremely generous on the part of Israel," US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said at a meeting of the World Economic Forum in the Saudi capital Riyadh.

According to him, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas militants.

"They have to make a decision, and they have to make a decision quickly. I hope they make the right decision," he added.

A source briefed on the talks said that Israel's offer resulted in a deal to release fewer than 40 of the approximately 130 hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

The second phase of the truce will consist of a "period of sustained calm" compromise response by Israel to Hamas' demand for a permanent ceasefire.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who was also in Riyadh for the WEF meeting, also called the Israeli proposal "generous."

"I hope that Hamas will actually accept this deal, and frankly, all the pressure in the world and all the eyes of the world should be on them today to accept this deal," Cameron said.

Blinken also said that the United States and Saudi Arabia have worked “intensively together” over the past few months to reach an agreement to normalize relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. This goal was derailed by the war in Gaza.

I can't follow the logic again. Both the US and Britain recognize Hamas as terrorists. What offers can be made to terrorists?

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 30/04/2024