In a recent interview with Christiane Amanpour, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance. "First, the firing stops. Hamas, Israel stop firing," Blinken stated. He outlined a six-week plan involving Israel pulling back its forces, hostages being released, and prisoners returning from Israeli jails.

Blinken acknowledged that achieving a permanent ceasefire requires intense negotiations with Arab partners and others. "That’s not sorted," he admitted, but expressed hope that the ceasefire would concentrate efforts on establishing a post-conflict plan.

The conversation also touched upon Blinken's successor, Senator Marco Rubio, undergoing confirmation hearings. When asked if the Trump administration would continue his efforts, Blinken responded: "Oh, of course, it’ll – it will be up to them." He stressed the importance of making any ceasefire permanent due to regional pressures.

Amanpour noted analysts' opinions that Trump's arrival may have accelerated progress towards a serious ceasefire. She mentioned criticism from an Israeli hostage negotiator regarding delays in reaching this point. In response to claims by Itamar Ben-Gvir about preventing past ceasefires, Blinken agreed there were missed opportunities but placed primary blame on Hamas for recent delays.

"So should this have happened months ago? Yes," he said. However, he emphasized that current dynamics indicate progress towards an agreement: "We’re on the brink."

Regarding concerns about Israeli intentions in Gaza, Blinken reaffirmed U.S. policy against permanent occupation: "There can’t be a permanent occupation of Gaza." He highlighted the importance of establishing governance arrangements to prevent Hamas from regaining control after Israeli withdrawal.

The interview shed light on complex diplomatic efforts to resolve longstanding tensions in Gaza while ensuring security and stability for all parties involved.