Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal Nears, Says U.S. Envoy

The U.S. envoy to the UN announced that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal is within reach. During a Security Council meeting, she urged members to press Hamas to accept the proposal and avoid actions that could derail the progress.

The U.S. envoy to the United Nations declared that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal is now within reach. Speaking to the Security Council on Thursday, she called on the 15-member body to pressure Palestinian militants Hamas to accept a bridging proposal.

"It's a decisive moment for ceasefire talks and for the region," said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. She emphasized that every council member should send strong messages to regional actors to prevent any actions that might jeopardize the deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)