Gaza ceasefire talks reach final stage - Blinken
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State (photo: Getty Images)
Negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have reached the final stage, says Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State.
According to him, the United States is working with Egypt and Qatar to reach an agreement to avoid further actions in the Middle East.
"Everyone in the region should understand that further attacks only perpetuate conflict, instability, insecurity for everyone, and further attacks only raise the risk of dangerous outcomes that no one can predict and no one can fully control," Blinken said.
He emphasized the need for everyone in the region to assess the situation.
"It's urgent that everyone in the region take stock of the situation. Understand the risk of miscalculation, and make decisions that will calm tensions, not exacerbate them. That's particularly true given the decisive moment that we're at in the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza," he said.
Gaza peace talks
US President Joe Biden proposed a three-stage plan for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Hamas agreed, abandoning its demands for a permanent ceasefire.
In turn, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that the agreement not prevent Israel from continuing hostilities until the goals are achieved. Biden has faced criticism for supporting Israel.
The United States has resumed deliveries of 500-pound bombs to Israel but will refrain from supplying 2,000-pound bombs.
