Blinken says its ‘on Hamas’ to accept cease-fire deal after meetings with Israeli leaders

Blinken says its ‘on Hamas’ to accept cease-fire deal after meetings with Israeli leaders

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the pressure is on Hamas to approve a deal that would implement an immediate cease-fire in Gaza as he met with Israeli officials in Tel Aviv.

Speaking to reporters Blinken referenced the United Nations Security Council’s vote on Monday to approve a U.S.-drafted resolution calling for a cease-fire and the release of hostages.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that the pressure is on Hamas to approve a deal that would implement an immediate cease-fire in Gaza as he met with Israeli officials in Tel Aviv.

Speaking to reporters Blinken referenced the United Nations Security Council’s vote on Monday to approve a U.S.-drafted resolution calling for a cease-fire and the release of hostages.

In Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog as well as opposition leader Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, who left Netanyahu’s war cabinet over the weekend over conflict related to Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza.