Biden says Gaza ceasefire is “still possible”

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday visited Israel to advance ceasefire talks and negotiate the release of hostages in Gaza. Blinken had visited the area nine times since the beginning of Israel-Gaza from October 7 last year.

Biden claims that Israel had put forward a three-phase plan in May to put an end to hostilities in Gaza and guarantee the release of hostages. The plan proposed rebuilding Gaza, a prisoner swap, and a cease-fire.

Over 40,000 Palestinians have died in ongoing Israel military operation as well as, 2.3 million territories were destroyed which put many of Palestinians at the risk of starvation and homelessness.

Hamas and other Palestinian organizations have demanded that Israel should act on Biden-endorsed proposal and set up procedures for its implementation.

Referring to the May 27 principles, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Egypt, Qatar, and the United States had allowed Israel to continue to hold authority over the Rafah crossing on the Gaza-Egypt border as well as the Philadelphi Corridor.

Negotiators have been trying for months to make Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement.