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Pope Francis hosts global comedians, urges humor amid global crises

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis hosts global comedians, urges humor amid global crises

VATICAN CITY. As world leaders convene in Italy to tackle pressing global issues, Pope Francis opted for a different kind of gathering, one that underscored the power of humor. On Friday, the pontiff welcomed an international assembly of comedians at the Vatican, delivering a heartfelt message about the importance of laughter.

The star-studded event featured prominent comedians such as Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Chris Rock, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien. Over 200 people attended the gathering at the Apostolic Palace, including more than 100 comedians from 15 countries. Goldberg and Louis-Dreyfus were among those seated in the front row.

Before the event commenced, Fallon was seen playfully interacting with the audience before being ushered to his seat as the pope made his entrance. Pope Francis began his address by acknowledging the comedians’ unique ability to spread joy in difficult times. “In the midst of so much gloomy news, immersed as we are in many social and even personal emergencies, you have the power to spread peace and smiles,” he said.

He highlighted the unifying power of laughter, noting, “You unite people, because laughter is contagious.” The pope, known for his own sense of humor, added a personal touch, revealing that he has prayed for 40 years for a good sense of humor. He concluded his speech with a lighthearted request: “I ask you to please pray for me: for, with a smile, not against!” This remark was met with appreciative laughter from the audience.

Pope Francis also praised the comedians for their role in addressing societal issues through humor. “You manage to make people smile even while dealing with problems and events, large and small. You denounce abuses of power; you give voice to forgotten situations; you highlight abuses; you point out inappropriate behavior,” he said. He emphasized that humor can transcend social barriers and foster connections among people.

“While communication today often generates conflict, you know how to bring together diverse and sometimes contrary realities. How much we need to learn from you!” the pope remarked. He also noted that it is acceptable to “laugh at God” in the same manner that we joke with loved ones.

After his speech, Pope Francis personally greeted each comedian, sharing jokes and laughter with several of them, including Rock, Fallon, and Colbert. “It was great,” Whoopi Goldberg told reporters. When asked if she had asked the pope to appear in “Sister Act 3,” she humorously replied, “I didn’t think it was the right place to bring it up, but I’ll probably send an email.”

Conan O’Brien quipped, “We are all looking at each other thinking ‘something’s wrong’. We are in this beautiful, beautiful space in the Vatican and for some reason they’ve let comedians in which is always a mistake.”

This unique event occurred as leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) gathered in southern Italy for a three-day summit to discuss ongoing global challenges, including support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Pope Francis is set to make history as the first pope to participate in a G7 summit, attending a session focused on Artificial Intelligence. U.S. President Joe Biden, a Catholic with a warm relationship with the pope, is among the leaders attending the summit.

The Vatican described the meeting with comedians as part of the pope’s broader effort to engage with contemporary culture, noting that the “art of comedy can contribute to a more empathetic and supportive world.” This initiative follows his previous cultural engagements, including a visit to the Venice Biennale and a meeting with artists and directors last year. The pope’s outreach to the comedy world comes amid ongoing questions about his stance on LGBTQ+ issues, following reports of a controversial remark in private meetings.

The U.S. contingent of comedians included Tig Notaro and Jim Gaffigan, with several Catholics among them: Gaffigan and Colbert identify as Catholics, while Fallon and O’Brien were raised in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis’s engagement with comedians underscores his belief in the power of humor to bridge divides and bring people together, even in the face of global challenges.

More than 100 comedians from around the world were at the Vatican. Vatican Media/Vatican Pool/Getty Images

Barangay kagawad patay sa aksidenteng pagputok ng baril habang nakikipag-inuman

Arman B. Cambe
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Barangay kagawad patay sa aksidenteng pagputok ng baril habang nakikipag-inuman

INDANG, Cavite. Patay ang isang barangay kagawad sa Brgy. Tambo Kulit, sa bayang ito matapos aksidenteng maputukan habang nilalaro ang isang baril na nakatutok sa kanyang bibig. Kinilala ang biktima na si John Bonne Noel, isang incumbent barangay kagawad sa naturang lugar.

Ayon sa ulat ng pulisya, naganap ang insidente bandang alas-7:35 ng gabi habang nakikipag-inuman si Noel sa kanyang mga kaibigan sa isang piyesta malapit sa kanilang lugar. Dahil sa kalasingan at dami ng nainom, inilabas ni Noel ang kanyang caliber .45 na baril upang ipakita sa mga kainuman. Inalis pa niya ang magazine ng baril at itinutok ito sa kanyang bibig. Sa kasamaang palad, aksidenteng nakalabit ni Noel ang gatilyo, na naging sanhi ng kanyang agarang pagkamatay.

Sa takot, mabilis na nagtakbuhan palayo ang mga kainuman ni Noel. Isinugod agad siya sa Poblete Hospital, ngunit idineklara na itong patay na pagdating doon.

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy na iniimbestigahan ng mga awtoridad ang insidente. Sinasabing tinitingnan din nila kung may kaukulang papeles ang baril na ginamit ni Noel.

Magsilbing babala sana ang insidenteng ito sa lahat ng mga gun owner na laging mag-ingat at huwag basta-basta maglaro ng baril, lalo na kung nasa ilalim ng impluwensya ng alak.

U.S. prepares to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to sea conditions, official says

Venus L Peñaflor
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U.S. prepares to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to sea conditions, official says

WASHINGTON. The U.S. military is preparing to temporarily remove its humanitarian pier off the coast of Gaza due to anticipated sea conditions, a U.S. official stated on Friday. This marks the latest challenge to an effort that has been hampered by adverse weather since the pier’s installation in May.

The floating U.S. military pier off Gaza had only recently resumed bringing humanitarian aid into the enclave after operations were suspended over the weekend. According to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the pier will likely be relocated to the Israeli port of Ashdod until sea conditions improve.

Aid deliveries via the U.S.-built pier began on May 17, with the U.N. reporting the transportation of 137 trucks of aid, approximately 900 metric tons, to warehouses. However, operations were suspended on May 28 for repairs. As of Friday, the United Nations confirmed that the transportation of aid from the pier to U.N. World Food Programme warehouses had not yet resumed.

“Our security colleagues are still working to ensure that secure conditions for humanitarian work can be re-established,” said deputy U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced in March the plan to establish the pier to facilitate aid deliveries as famine loomed in Gaza, a Hamas-run enclave of 2.3 million people, during the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants. The pier’s operation is estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars for the first 90 days and involves about 1,000 U.S. service members.

Movie review: “Inside Out 2” explores the turmoil of teenage years

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie review: “Inside Out 2” explores the turmoil of teenage years

Sequels can be contentious territory for Pixar, but the premise of “Inside Out 2” feels naturally compelling. Nine years have passed since the original “Inside Out,” and Riley, the young girl with a head full of emotions, has aged from 11 to 13, navigating the tumultuous waters of early adolescence.

The story begins with the familiar emotions—Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Tony Hale), Disgust (Liza Lapira), and Anger (Lewis Black)—being jolted awake by an alarming beep, indicating a significant change: “Puberty.” The control room is soon overrun with construction workers making way for new, more sophisticated emotions: Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri), Embarrassment (Paul Walter Hauser), and Ennui (Adèle Exarchopoulos). Riley wakes up to a bewildering new reality, reflecting the rapid changes of adolescence.

“Inside Out 2” transforms from a modest sequel into a film of cataclysmic proportions, sensitive to one of life’s most awkward phases. The sequel may not capture the boundless imagination of its predecessor, but it effectively filters complex psychological developments into a bright, entertaining journey that hits emotional high notes.

While Joy was the protagonist of the first film, representing a parental figure desperate to preserve childhood happiness, the sequel shifts focus to Riley, now grappling with Anxiety. Riley, voiced by Kensington Tallman, is taller, has good friends, and still loves hockey, but her internal world is evolving. Boy Band Island is gone, and a new Belief System emerges from her memories. “Inside Out 2” explores Riley’s core identity, tested and reshaped by new experiences.

The film introduces new creative minds, with Kelsey Mann making his directorial debut, taking over from Pete Docter, and a script by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein. The sequel retains much of the charm of the original, though some elements, like Bing Bong, are missed. The narrative tilts more outside Riley’s mind, depicting her struggles with changing friendships and self-doubt, particularly at a weekend hockey camp previewing her high school life.

“Inside Out 2” arrives during a period of reflection for Pixar, managing to recapture some of its magic while acknowledging the challenges of rekindling past brilliance. The sequel stays close to familiar neural pathways, with new cerebral puns and a new childhood relic, Bloofy, voiced by Ron Funches. While more predictable than its predecessor, the film’s aim is true, addressing the complexities of anxiety, especially for teenage girls.

In an era where Pixar and other studios are navigating a new media landscape, “Inside Out 2” reaffirms the studio’s commitment to feature-length films with robust theatrical releases. This sequel, set to play exclusively in theaters for 100 days, offers a much-needed refuge from today’s anxiety-inducing devices, focusing affectingly on the struggles of adolescence.

“Inside Out 2,” a Walt Disney Co. release, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for some thematic elements. Running time: 96 minutes. Three stars out of four.

New research and trends in criminal justice

DC Alviar
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New research and trends in criminal justice

Criminologists, social scientists, and criminal justice professionals from Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada, and the USA will discuss new research and trends in criminal justice at the Asian Criminology Society’s 15th annual conference on August 8 to 10.

Melchor C. de Guzman, Ph.D., professor of criminology and criminal justice at Georgia Gwinnett College in the United States, will deliver a plenary address, exploring a new model of preventing police misconduct. He will explain how police misconduct happens in the exercise of a routine function of a police officer and how these incidents can be projected and prevented.

“Democratic policing demands accountability in the use of power because police actions can produce irreversible harm,” de Guzman said. “A mechanism of control should not only be reactive but also preventative and proactive.”

de Guzman is a policing expert whose extensive professional and academic careers have involved the study of police organization and behavior. He is a seasoned academician with experiences in teaching at the National Police College and the Philippine Public Safety College and police academies in the United States. His scholarship has produced over 40 publications including books and peer-reviewed articles.

A native of Mangaldan, Pangasinan, de Guzman earned master’s and doctoral degrees in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati in Ohio, USA. He has been a professor of criminal justice in the US for 24 years.

de Guzman is past president of the Criminal Justice Association of Georgia and chair of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ Academic Advisory Council in Criminal Justice. He has also been involved in grant projects investigating the implementation of community policing; insider threats in financial institutions; and the investigation of minor sex trafficking in Asia.

His professional field experience started in the Philippine Senate where he served as Senate Committee Secretary of National Defense and Security. He steered the passing of a significant reform legislation known as the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act (Republic Act 8551). Later he served as Director in the Philippine Veterans’ Affairs Office.

The three-day conference, themed “Criminology, Criminal Justice, Technology, and Public Safety,” will be held at MIDAS Hotel in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Joining de Guzman in the speakers’ roll are Professional Regulatory Board of Criminology Chairman Hon. Ramil G. Gabao, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Director General Hon. Ricardo F. De Leon, Professional Criminologists Association of the Philippines (conference co-host) President Dr. Gerry J. Caño, RCrim, Prof. Bitna Kim, Ph.D., Prof. Friedrich Losel, Prof. Jianhong Liu, Prof. Raymund E. Narag, and Prof R Thilagaraj Ramasubbu.

LATEST COURSE OFFERING

Another higher education institution has offered the BS Criminology program. “The timeliness of offering the (program) is the institution’s response to the rapidly changing field of Criminal Justice… the program of which will be infused with combative sports training,” National University (NU) Laguna said in a statement.

Half a year ago, the government highlighted the importance of the profession with the signing of Proclamation No. 397 declaring November 3 to 9 of every year as Philippine Criminology Profession Week. It read: “It is imperative to recognize the role of the criminology profession in the maintenance of national security, and to honor Filipino Criminologists who have remained committed to the exercise of their profession while contributing immensely to the development of our nation, especially in the sectors of public safety and peace and order.”

NO MORE EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLING?

Since the conference will be held in the Philippines, it is expected that attention will be given – but not center stage – to the importance of proper police operations for safer streets.

Remember the 2016-2022 presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, who launched a bloody but failed War on Drugs. Fast forward to the new administration six years thereafter, the highly controversial police operation called “Tokhang” (and related calibration of it) should no longer be continued, according to top police generals and even President Bongbong Marcos Jr.

Tokhang hit the road with thousands of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) and it is now the subject of an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which included the former president himself in the case.

As conference organizers prepare for the August event, will there be more important developments before that, especially the actual capture of Apollo Quiboloy by police authorities either in the Philippines or abroad? Will there be more revealing papers and effects as a result of more police raids of POGOs in the country? There will be so much to learn from the conference indeed.

Harvard scientists propose theory of hidden advanced civilization on Earth

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Harvard scientists propose theory of hidden advanced civilization on Earth

CAMBRIDGE, MA. Researchers from Harvard and Montana Technological University suggest the possibility of an unknown, technologically advanced civilization hiding on Earth in a bold and controversial new paper. These beings, they speculate, could be living in deep underground bases, emerging occasionally in UFOs, or even blending in with human society.

The paper, which is likely to stir debate in the scientific community, speculates that sightings of “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena” (UAP) — a term used by the military for UFOs — may indicate the presence of intelligent beings concealed on Earth, in nearby locations like the Moon, or even among us in disguise.

“Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena may reflect activities of intelligent beings concealed in stealth here on Earth (e.g., underground), and/or its near environs (e.g., the Moon), and/or even ‘walking among us’ (e.g., passing as humans),” the researchers state directly in their paper. While acknowledging that this “highly exotic hypothesis” is likely to be met with skepticism, they argue it “deserves genuine consideration in a spirit of epistemic humility and openness.”

Interest in UFO sightings, especially those reported by military personnel, has surged over the past decade. This attention peaked last summer when David Grusch, a former Air Force intelligence officer, testified before Congress, claiming that the U.S. has recovered alien spacecraft as part of a long-standing UFO retrieval program. Even NASA has recently allowed researchers to investigate mysterious, high-speed objects reported by military pilots.

Despite numerous Pentagon reports, no conclusive evidence of extraterrestrial life has been found. However, the Harvard researchers remain undeterred, presenting several outlandish yet intriguing possibilities in their paper.

One theory suggests that a remnant of an ancient, highly advanced human civilization still exists, observing modern humanity. Another posits that an intelligent species evolved independently of humans in the distant past, potentially from “intelligent dinosaurs,” and is now hiding its presence. The third hypothesis is that these hidden beings traveled to Earth from another planet or time period. The most fantastical theory is that these entities are “less technological than magical,” likened to “earthbound angels.”

The researchers also consider the possibility that UFO sightings near underground access points, such as volcanoes, could indicate that these cryptoterrestrials reside in hidden bases rather than being drawn to these locations.

Former House Representative Mike Gallagher, referenced in the paper, speculated last year that UFO sightings might be evidence of “an ancient civilization that’s just been hiding here, for all this time, and is suddenly showing itself right now,” in light of Grusch’s testimony.

The paper even suggests that these cryptoterrestrials might take on non-human forms, such as non-human primates or reptiles. They might also be concealing themselves on the Moon or have mastered the art of blending in as human beings, an idea popular in science fiction.

Avi Loeb, a controversial Harvard astrophysicist, proposes another explanation: ancient civilizations may have existed on planets like Mars or Earth but lived “a billion years apart and hence were not aware of each other.”

While admitting these hypotheses are “far-fetched,” the researchers maintain that they warrant consideration due to the strange nature of some UAP sightings. “We entertain them here because some aspects of UAP are strange enough that they seem to call for unconventional explanations,” the paper reads.

“It may be exceedingly improbable, but hopefully, this paper has shown it should nevertheless be kept on the table as we seek to understand the ongoing empirical mystery of UAP,” the researchers conclude.

G7 leaders aim to use interest from Russian assets to aid Ukraine at southern Italy summit

Venus L Peñaflor
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G7 leaders aim to use interest from Russian assets to aid Ukraine at southern Italy summit

BARI, Italy. Group of Seven (G7) leaders are set to increase funding for Ukraine amidst its war with Russia and present a united stance against China’s political and economic ambitions at their annual summit in southern Italy on Thursday.

For the second year in a row, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend the summit, participating in discussions on Thursday and signing a new long-term security accord with U.S. President Joe Biden. The G7 leaders are likely to announce an agreement in principle to issue $50 billion in loans for Ukraine, using interest from Russian sovereign assets frozen after its invasion of Ukraine to support the multi-year debt package.

“I think we will have the major tentpoles of this decided, but some of the specifics left to be worked through by experts on a defined timetable,” said White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. “I think we are on the verge of a good outcome here,” he added. Officials acknowledge the complexity of the plan, with legal experts still working out the details that will require the backing of European nations, particularly Belgium, which is not a G7 member.

The June 13-15 summit in the southern Italian region of Puglia has a packed agenda that includes discussions on the Middle East, migration, and artificial intelligence. Most leaders are dealing with their own domestic issues, making this summit particularly challenging. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the host, is riding high after a triumph in Italy’s European election last weekend, but achieving meaningful results at the luxury Borgo Egnazia resort will be a tall order.

Biden’s goal at the G7 is to reinforce the idea that the United States is best served when closely aligned with its democratic allies and partners, Sullivan said, when asked about the prospects of this being the president’s last summit given his re-election battle in November. Underscoring U.S. determination to punish Moscow for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Washington on Wednesday dramatically broadened sanctions on Moscow, including targeting China-based companies selling semiconductors to Russia.

By announcing new restrictions on Chinese firms on the eve of the G7 meeting, Biden hopes to persuade Western allies to show greater resolve in confronting Beijing over its support for Russia and its industrial over-capacity. Speaking ahead of the start of the summit, Sullivan noted that China is a significant creditor to many heavily indebted countries. “The G7 communique is not singling out or focusing on a single country,” he said, but added that China needed to play a constructive role in dealing with the debt burden.

The G7 leaders’ meeting in Italy highlights critical global issues, with a focus on aiding Ukraine through innovative financial mechanisms and addressing broader geopolitical concerns, including the challenge posed by China’s economic strategies.

Former SpaceX employees sue over alleged wrongful termination and hostile work environment

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Former SpaceX employees sue over alleged wrongful termination and hostile work environment

NEW YORK. Eight former SpaceX employees have filed a lawsuit against the company and its CEO, Elon Musk, alleging they were wrongfully terminated after raising concerns about pervasive sexual harassment and a hostile work environment akin to an “Animal House”-style atmosphere.

The lawsuit, filed in a California state court, stems from complaints detailed in a 2022 open letter to SpaceX management, shared via the company’s intranet. According to the plaintiffs, four of them were fired the following day, with the others being terminated after an internal investigation.

In January, the federal National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed its own complaint against SpaceX based on issues raised by the nine fired employees.

The open letter urged executives to condemn Musk’s public behavior on X (formerly Twitter) and to hold all employees accountable for unacceptable conduct. The employees criticized Musk for making light of sexual harassment allegations against him, which he has denied.

“As our CEO and most prominent spokesperson, Elon is seen as the face of SpaceX — every tweet that Elon sends is a de facto public statement by the company,” the letter stated. It also described Musk’s actions as a “frequent source of distraction and embarrassment.”

The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified monetary damages. The lawsuit draws connections between Musk’s behavior, particularly his lewd posts on Twitter, and the working environment at SpaceX. One plaintiff, Yaman Abdulhak, pointed out that many examples in a 2021 employee training on “appropriate behavior” closely resembled Musk’s tweets. Abdulhak shared these tweets with the SpaceX human resources director, who took no action, according to the complaint.

SpaceX has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

DMW: 3 Filipino OFW patay sa sunog sa Kuwait

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DMW: 3 Filipino OFW patay sa sunog sa Kuwait

MAYNILA. Kinumpirma ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) na tatlong overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) ang nasawi sa isang sunog na naganap sa isang gusali sa Kuwait noong Miyerkules ng umaga, Hunyo 12.

Ayon kay Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, ang tatlo ay nasawi dahil sa pagkalanghap ng usok. Ang mga biktima ay kabilang sa 11 OFWs na nagtatrabaho para sa isang Kuwaiti construction company at naninirahan sa nasabing gusali.

Dalawa pang OFW ang nananatili sa ospital at nasa kritikal na kondisyon, samantalang ang natitirang anim ay ligtas at walang pinsala.

Iniutos ni Secretary Cacdac sa Migrant Workers Office sa Kuwait (MWO-Kuwait) at sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Welfare Office na makipag-ugnayan sa Embahada ng Pilipinas sa Kuwait (PE-Kuwait) sa ilalim ni Ambassador Jose Cabrera para sa pagpapauwi sa mga labi ng tatlong nasawing manggagawa.

Sa kanyang ulat, binigyang-diin ni Cacdac na personal silang nakikipag-ugnayan ni OWWA Administrator Arnell A. Ignacio sa lahat ng pamilya at kamag-anak ng 11 OFW. “We are in touch with the families of all the affected OFWs, including the families of those two in critical condition and the families of the three fatalities. Six of them are now safe and provided with their immediate needs. We will provide all the necessary assistance and support to the OFWs and their families in this difficult time as directed by the President,” ani Secretary Cacdac.

Iniulat ng mga awtoridad ng Kuwait na nagsimula ang sunog bandang alas-4:30 ng umaga noong Miyerkules, Hunyo 12, 2024 (9:30 ng umaga, oras sa Maynila) sa gusaling nagsilbing pasilidad ng pabahay at dormitoryo para sa mga dayuhang manggagawa ng naturang Kuwaiti construction company. Ang gusali ay matatagpuan sa al-Mangaf, isang baybaying lugar sa timog ng Kuwait.

Patuloy ang imbestigasyon upang matukoy ang sanhi ng sunog at upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng iba pang mga manggagawa na naninirahan sa mga katulad na pasilidad.

Blinken warns of ongoing conflict as Hamas rejects US, UN backed ceasefire deal

Venus L Peñaflor
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Blinken warns of ongoing conflict as Hamas rejects US, UN backed ceasefire deal

DOHA. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that the conflict in Gaza will continue after Hamas rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal. Speaking on Wednesday, Blinken said, “The war will go on” because Hamas chose not to agree to the plans, which included the release of hostages in exchange for a ceasefire.

“Hamas has made a choice to continue the war that they started,” Blinken stated, emphasizing the militant group’s decision to send back an “unworkable” counter-offer.

Leaked notes from Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s military leader and the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks, indicate that he aims to prolong the conflict to strengthen his negotiating position. Full details of the peace deal and Hamas’s amendments have not been disclosed. The US asserts that Israel has accepted the proposal, though Israel has not publicly confirmed this.

Hamas claimed it submitted a “positive” response that opened a “wide pathway” for agreement on the US-backed three-stage truce plan. However, Israel interpreted this as a rejection of the deal on the table.

Two weeks ago, President Joe Biden outlined the broad proposal in a speech, which includes a six-week initial ceasefire, during which Hamas would release some hostages in exchange for Israel freeing an undetermined number of Palestinian prisoners. The plan would then transition to a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages, followed by a significant reconstruction effort in Gaza.

The delicate nature of transitioning from the first phase to a permanent ceasefire has been acknowledged, with potential for talks to falter at this stage.

Despite the proposal being introduced as an Israeli initiative, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which includes far-right members, has not publicly endorsed it. Blinken reiterated on Wednesday that Israel had accepted the proposal.

“Look, Israel accepted the proposal, Hamas didn’t … if Hamas continues to say no then it will be clear that they have made a choice to continue the war that they started,” Blinken told reporters in Doha.

He further stated, “A deal was on the table that was virtually identical to one that Hamas put forward on May 6 … Hamas could have answered with a single word: ‘Yes’. Instead, Hamas waited nearly two weeks and then proposed more changes, a number of which go beyond positions that it had previously taken and accepted.”

“As a result, the war will go on,” Blinken said, while expressing his determination to achieve a deal.

The exact details of Hamas’s proposals deemed unacceptable were not elaborated upon. However, an official with knowledge of the talks told The Washington Post that Hamas’s amendments included a “timeline for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.”

Two Egyptian security sources told Reuters that Hamas sought written guarantees from the US for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, expressing concerns that the current proposal did not provide explicit guarantees for the transition from the first to the second phase.

Reports have surfaced of a divide between Hamas’s political leadership and its Gaza-based military leadership under Sinwar. Secret messages from Sinwar to his negotiators suggested he was leveraging the mounting Palestinian death toll to his advantage. “We have the Israelis right where we want them,” Sinwar said in one of dozens of messages to ceasefire negotiators obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

Earlier this week, Blinken remarked that the responsibility to accept the peace plan was on “one guy” hiding “10 storeys underground in Gaza” to cast the deciding vote.

The increasing death toll in Gaza and growing public anger in Israel over the government’s handling of the war are putting pressure on both sides to reach an agreement.

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