Blinken: Biden laid the groundwork for Trump's Gaza plan

(Patria) - Former US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for the Gaza plan presented by President Donald Trump, saying it aligns with the agreement he sought under Joe Biden, AFP reported.

"I think that's a reason for some hope. I certainly hope that the plan will be fully accepted, fully adopted, and fully implemented," Blinken said.

"This is essentially a plan that was developed over many months and more or less left in a drawer for the incoming administration, and I'm very, very happy that they've embraced it," he said on former federal prosecutor Preet Bharara's podcast.
But he also acknowledged risks within it, including allowing Israel to determine when the situation allows it to fully withdraw from Gaza.

"There are some loopholes through which they could drive a truck if they wanted to," Blinken said of Israel.

Blinken traveled to the Middle East a dozen times after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, trying to pressure both sides to accept a ceasefire while Israel waged a relentless offensive.

Israel and Hamas finally reached a ceasefire agreement on January 19, Biden's last day in office, and Trump's newly elected envoy supported the diplomatic agreement.

But in March, Israel resumed large-scale military operations in Gaza and closed food entry, leading to severe humanitarian conditions, and the United Nations declared famine in parts of the Gaza Strip.

Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the plan during an appearance at the White House on Monday and warned Hamas of severe consequences if it says no.

World powers, including Arab and Muslim countries, also welcomed the proposal, but some interviewed by AFP in Gaza said it was unrealistic given the demand for Hamas to be disarmed.