Last Chance for Gaza Ceasefire: Blinken's Urgent Call

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the current push for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release could be the final opportunity for a resolution. While Israeli forces intensified their assault on Khan Younis, Hamas indicated skepticism following stalled talks in Qatar, though negotiations are set to resume with a U.S. proposal.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Monday that the latest push for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release was likely the best and possibly last chance, urging Israel and Hamas towards an elusive agreement.

Despite Hamas casting doubt over reaching a deal after last week's paused talks in Qatar, negotiations are to restart this week based on a U.S. bridging proposal. Blinken met Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, while Israeli forces intensified their assaults in Gaza's Khan Younis, residents reported.

'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,' Blinken told reporters before meeting Herzog. Persistent talks have circled the same issues, with Israel seeking Hamas' military and political dismantling, and Hamas demanding a permanent ceasefire.

(With inputs from agencies.)