Blinken Urges Final Steps for Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of both Israel and Hamas agreeing on the remaining issues to finalize the Gaza ceasefire deal. Despite 90% of the deal being agreed upon, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding the Philadelphi corridor. Blinken anticipates resolution discussions involving Israel, Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt in the coming days.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized on Thursday the urgency for both Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas to agree on the remaining issues necessary to finalize the Gaza ceasefire deal.

According to Blinken, nearly 90% of the Gaza ceasefire deal has been settled, but critical unresolved matters persist. Among these is the contentious issue of the Philadelphi corridor, a crucial area on the southern border of the Gaza Strip adjacent to Egypt.

In a press briefing, Blinken stated, "I expect in the coming days, we will share with Israel, and they (Qatar and Egypt) will share with Hamas our thoughts, the three of us, on exactly how to resolve" the outstanding issues, indicating close cooperation between the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt in the mediation process.

(With inputs from agencies.)