On Wednesday, May 1, American Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept “NOW” the new truce proposal in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, the head of American diplomacy reaffirmed Washington’s opposition to a major Israeli offensive on the city of Rafah. He spoke in Israel during his seventh mission to the Middle East since the start of the war on October 7. Follow our live stream.
Hamas’ response is still awaited. The mediating countries – Qatar, the United States and Egypt – are awaiting Hamas’ response to a latest proposal providing for a forty-day truce as well as the exchange of hostages for Palestinians held by Israel. “There is a very good proposal on the table right now. Hamas must say yes”estimated Antony Blinken. “If Hamas truly claims to care about the Palestinians and wants to see their suffering immediately alleviated, it should accept the deal.”he added.
Washington opposes an Israeli offensive in Rafah. Israel plans to carry out a ground operation in Rafah, the last major bastion of Hamas, according to it, where a million and a half Palestinians are crowded on the southern edge of Palestinian territory. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing “the need for any possible military operation in Rafah to include a credible plan to evacuate Israeli civilians there and maintain a flow of humanitarian aid”according to the Pentagon.
Colombia cuts diplomatic ties with Israel. Colombian President Gustavo Petro called the Israeli government a “genocidal” in his conduct of the war in Gaza. The latter immediately accused Gustavo Petro of “reward” Hamas, which, for its part, welcomed the Colombian leader’s announcement, describing it as “victory”.