Deal Close in Cease Negotiation

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday as negotiations intensify to establish a cease-fire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7 assault. Despite ongoing discussions facilitated by U.S. and Arab mediators, progress has been slow, with previous attempts yielding little success. The stakes are high, as the conflict has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials, while approximately 110 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli sources indicating that about a third may be deceased. The violence has escalated significantly, with Hezbollah launching daily attacks on Israel, prompting retaliatory airstrikes. The situation has led to mass displacements on both sides of the border. Hezbollah has threatened to escalate its operations further in response to the killing of a senior commander in an Israeli airstrike, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict, especially given Iran's threats of retaliation against Israel for the death of a Hamas leader. Negotiations are centered around a three-phase proposal that would involve Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a lasting cease-fire. However, internal political pressures in Israel complicate the situation, as far-right coalition members threaten to destabilize the government if concessions are made. This political tension could delay Hamas's formal response to any agreement, prolonging the conflict. In Israel, public sentiment remains largely supportive of the military campaign, driven by trauma from the October 7 attack. Nonetheless, there is a growing movement advocating for the hostages' return and calling for accountability from Netanyahu's government, which faces criticism for its perceived failures in security and intelligence leading up to the conflict.