Official announcements from Israeli government, Hamas, US State Department, or major news outlets

Netanyahu Accepts US Proposal for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release; Hamas's Response Awaited

Aug 19, 2024, 05:51 PM

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a US-backed bridging proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. The proposal aims to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas amid ongoing tensions. Blinken's announcement follows a meeting with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, where the Israeli leader confirmed his support for the proposal, describing it as a "decisive moment" in the conflict. The proposal was initially presented at a summit in Doha. The next step is for Hamas to agree to the terms, which they have so far rejected. The US is actively involved in diplomatic efforts to finalize the agreement, with Blinken emphasizing the importance of Hamas's acceptance for progress.