US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism on Thursday, stating that he believes a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is possible. Blinken made these remarks during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo, Egypt. He mentioned that the “gaps are narrowing” between the two parties for a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, but acknowledged that there are still challenges that need to be addressed.
Blinken further elaborated that the United States has been working closely with Egypt, Qatar, and Israel to put forth a comprehensive proposal, to which Hamas has already responded. Despite the difficult road ahead, Blinken maintained his belief that a deal is within reach.
In other developments related to the conflict:
– The United States has proposed a resolution at the United Nations Security Council on Gaza, which is scheduled for a vote on Friday morning.
– The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) reported the arrest of over 600 individuals in an operation at Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital. The operation, which resulted in the deaths of over 140 people, was launched at the largest hospital in Gaza where many sought refuge.
– Israel has decided not to return around two dozen Palestinian patients from hospitals in East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to Gaza until the country’s Supreme Court rules on the matter.
– European Union leaders, who convened at a summit in Brussels, called for an “immediate humanitarian pause” in Gaza but stopped short of advocating for an immediate ceasefire, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions from member states.
As efforts continue to reach a resolution to the ongoing conflict, the international community remains vigilant in their calls for peace and the protection of civilian lives.