U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned on Friday a long-sought ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas was close by, saying negotiators have been “driving toward the goal line.”
The United States has been working with Qatar and Egypt to attempt to prepare a ceasefire within the Gaza battle with a view to free hostages held since Oct. 7 and get extra humanitarian help into the enclave.
Blinken informed the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado that Hamas and Israel had agreed to the ceasefire framework outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden in May after plenty of pushing and diplomacy, however mentioned that some points wanted to be resolved.
“I believe we’re inside the 10-yard line and driving toward the goal line in getting an agreement that would produce a ceasefire, get the hostages home and put us on a better track to trying to build lasting peace and stability,” Blinken mentioned.
“There remains some issues that need to be resolved, that need to be negotiated. We’re in the midst of doing exactly that.”
Blinken, requested about Netanyahu’s go to, mentioned Washington desires to carry the ceasefire settlement over the end line. He added that it was essential there was a transparent plan for what follows and that discussions with Netanyahu would seemingly focus on that.
Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas after the group’s fighters killed 1,200 folks and took greater than 250 hostage in an Oct. 7 assault, in keeping with Israeli tallies. At least 38,848 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive since then, Gaza well being authorities say.
Source: www.anews.com.tr