Blinken Pushes for Ceasefire in Gaza Amid Mediator Optimism

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pressing for a Gaza ceasefire to release hostages and provide relief after 10 months of conflict. Despite renewed optimism from mediators, there are ongoing disagreements between Hamas and Israel. Blinken's trip comes amid fears of a broader regional conflict.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that now is the time to finalize a Gaza ceasefire agreement to return hostages held by Hamas and alleviate Palestinian suffering after 10 months of intense conflict in Gaza.

Blinken's ninth urgent trip to the Middle East comes days after renewed mediator optimism that a deal was close. However, Hamas expressed dissatisfaction with the latest proposal, and Israel noted non-negotiable areas.

The visit precedes new talks in Egypt amid fears the conflict might escalate into a broader regional war, following the assassination of top militant commanders in Lebanon, which Iran attributed to Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)