Israel backs US proposal for Gaza truce and release of hostages – Meduza

Israel has supported the US proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Blinken made his comments after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to him, “The next important step for Hamas is to say yes.”

The Secretary of State did not specify the meaning of the agreements reached. Immediately after meeting Netanyahu, he will travel to Qatar and then Egypt to continue the talks.

Negotiations over a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages have intensified in recent weeks. Diplomats hope the accords can keep Hezbollah and Iran from responding to senior activists in Beirut and Tehran. The New York Times wrote on August 17 that Iran agreed to suspend the strike on Israel so as not to disturb the talks on Gaza.