Blinken Urges Agreement on Critical Issues in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for both Israel and Hamas to agree on remaining critical issues to finalize a Gaza ceasefire deal. Despite significant progress, disputes over the Philadelphi corridor and prisoner exchanges remain. Blinken expressed hope for resolution with collaboration from Qatar and Egypt.

During a Thursday briefing in Haiti, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the urgency for both Israel and Hamas to resolve remaining critical issues to conclude a Gaza ceasefire agreement, despite months of negotiations.

"Based on what I have seen, 90% is agreed but there are a few critical issues that remain," Blinken highlighted, referring to the Philadelphi corridor near the Gaza-Egypt border. He mentioned that gaps also exist concerning the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

President Joe Biden had initially proposed a three-phase ceasefire on May 31, but key disagreements persist. Hamas' opposition to any Israeli presence in the Philadelphi corridor and Israel's insistence on maintaining troops there have compounded the difficulty. Blinken hopes for a shared resolution approach involving the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.

(With inputs from agencies.)