The Palestinian militant group Hamas has reportedly agreed to a peace proposal backed by the United Nations to end the conflict in Gaza, according to multiple media outlets citing a senior group official.
Hamas representative Sami Abu Zuhri announced that the group is open to further discussions and emphasized that it is up to the United States to ensure Israel complies with the UN resolution.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called this development “a hopeful sign” but emphasized the need for a definitive confirmation from Hamas.
“That’s what counts, and that’s what we don’t have yet,” he said.
Earlier, Blinken met with Israeli officials to persuade them to end their air and ground attacks on Hamas. This follows the UN Security Council’s approval of President Joe Biden’s truce proposal.
The peace proposal requires Israel to withdraw its troops from Gaza, while Hamas must release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
“The US administration is facing a real test to carry out its commitments in compelling the occupation to immediately end the war in accordance with the U.N. Security Council resolution,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters.
US to provide $404 million in aid for Palestinians
On Tuesday (June 11), the US announced an additional $404 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. This new package brings the total US assistance for Palestinians to $674 million since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
“As the largest single country humanitarian donor to the Palestinian people, we recognize the urgent need for more assistance to reach civilians given the dire humanitarian conditions and call on all donors to support life-saving operations for Palestinians in Gaza and the region,” a statement from the US State Department said.
“This new funding will provide essential support to vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and the region, including food, safe drinking water, health care, protection, education, shelter, and psychosocial support,” the statement adds.