On a visit to Israel on Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken put the onus squarely on Hamas to accept the proposal.
But Israeli officials have said, consistently and emphatically, that the offensive will take place.
The number of Palestinians Israel is offering to free in exchange is unclear.
More than 100 were released in a weeklong cease-fire in November, and Israeli officials say they believe that more than 30 — possibly many more — are dead.
Gazan health officials say that Israel’s subsequent bombing and invasion have killed more than 34,000 people, and injured far more.
Persons:
Osama Hamdan, Al Manar, —, Antony J, Blinken, wouldn’t, ”, Yair Lapid, Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr, Hamdan, Biden, Netanyahu’s, ” Mr, Netanyahu, Israel
Organizations:
Israel, Hezbollah, Hamas, United Nations
Locations:
Jerusalem, Washington, Gaza, Lebanese, Israel, United States, Qatar, Egypt, Rafah, masse