08/19/2024

Blinken Urges Hamas to Accept U.S. Proposal on Ending Gaza War

Medics report at least 30 Palestinians killed on Monday

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted a bridging proposal presented by Washington designed to close disagreements to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to do the same.

Blinken spoke to journalists after a day of meetings with Israeli officials, including a 2.5-hour meeting with Netanyahu that Blinken described as "very constructive." The top U.S. diplomat had said earlier that this push was probably the best and possibly last opportunity for a deal.

Talks in Qatar seeking a ceasefire and hostage return agreement last week paused without a breakthrough, but the negotiations are expected to resume this week based on the U.S. proposal to bridge the gaps between Israel and Hamas.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Reuters.