Latest diplomatic push is ‘probably the best, maybe the last opportunity’ to secure a ceasefire, says top US diplomat
US secretary of state Antony Blinken meets Israel i president Yitzhak Herzog in Tel Aviv on August 19th, 2024. Photograph: KEVIN MOHATT/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe marathon talks towards a ceasefire that has been going on for months are set to continue this week in Cairo, following a two-day meeting in Doha last week.
“This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security,” Mr Blinken told reporters, ahead of his meeting with Israeli president Yitzhak Herzog.
Hours after Mr Blinken’s arrival Hamas said it holds Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu responsible for “thwarting the mediators’ efforts”, delaying an agreement and exposing Israeli hostages in Gaza to the same aggression faced by Palestinians. The top US diplomat also repeated US caution against further escalation. “It’s also time to make sure that no one takes any steps that could derail this process, and so we’re working to make sure that there is no escalation, that there are no provocations,” he added.
Israel Hamas Gaza-Strip Antony-Blinken
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel-Gaza war: Blinken to arrive in Israel as US pushes for ceasefireTop diplomat’s visit comes days after US put forward proposals that it believes would close gaps between warring parties
Read more »
Netanyahu to meet Blinken as US steps up pressure for Gaza ceasefireIsrael says it is prepared to be flexible on accord but Hamas says talk of progress is an ‘illusion’
Read more »
Quintuplets among Gaza’s dead as Blinken visits region amid ceasefire effortsAn Israeli delegation travels to Cairo on Sunday for further talks, and Blinken will meet Netanyahu on Monday morning
Read more »
Hamas to stay out of Gaza truce talks, Iran considers Israel attackHopes dimmed for a negotiated truce slated for Thursday in Qatar
Read more »
Israel-Gaza war: Palestinians hail UN court’s ‘historic’ ruling on Israeli occupation of territoriesLong-sought ceasefire between Israel and Hamas within sight, claims US secretary of state Blinken
Read more »
Mediators’ proposals on Gaza ceasefire to be considered by both Israel and HamasOfficials from the US, Qatar and Egypt said they would continue to work on Gaza ceasefire proposals over the coming days in the hope of achieving a breakthrough
Read more »