US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Doha on Wednesday to engage in discussions with Qatar, a key mediator, following Hamas's response to a US-led ceasefire proposal for Gaza. Blinken's visit is part of a broader Middle East tour aimed at persuading Hamas to agree to the truce plan.

In Doha, Blinken will meet with top Qatari leaders, who have been conveying messages to the Palestinian militant group. Hamas, responding to President Joe Biden's proposal from May 31, suggested amendments on Tuesday, including a ceasefire timeline and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, according to sources familiar with the talks.

The Biden plan calls for an Israeli withdrawal from "major population centers" and a six-week ceasefire, which could be extended as negotiations for a permanent agreement progress. The White House stated on Tuesday that the United States is "evaluating" Hamas's reply.

US officials had anticipated that Hamas would seek modifications rather than accepting the entire deal outright and are looking to find common ground to negotiate differences with Israel. Biden is keen to end the conflict, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and has caused dissent within his Democratic Party ahead of a close election.

In Israel on Tuesday, Blinken noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had committed to the plan, although the Israeli government, which includes far-right members, has not formally endorsed it. Blinken also urged Hamas's Gaza-based leader, Yahya Sinwar, to accept the deal, questioning whether Sinwar was prioritizing his safety over the well-being of the people he claims to represent.

Israel accuses Sinwar of orchestrating the October 7 attack that killed 1,194 people, mostly civilians. The Israeli army's subsequent offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 37,164 people, primarily civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry.

In Doha, Blinken will meet with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who is also the emirate's top diplomat. Later on Wednesday, Blinken will travel to Italy to join Biden at the Group of Seven summit.