Blinken pushes for ceasefire deal

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The top U.S. diplomat is in the Middle East is pushing for more international pressure on Hamas to agree to a new ceasefire deal.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the world is now waiting on the terrorist group to accept the proposal.

“If you want a ceasefire, press Hamas to say yes,” said Blinken.

This is Blinken’s eighth trip to the region since the Israel-Hamas war began.

“If you want to alleviate the terrible suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, press Hamas to say yes,” he added.

The U.N. Security Council passed a U.S.-sponsored resolution Monday endorsing a ceasefire proposal that would lead to the release of all hostages and an end to the fighting.

It also calls for reconstruction in Gaza.

“The only party who has not said yes is Hamas. That’s who everyone is waiting on,” said Blinken.

The Palestinian ambassador to the U.N. largely celebrated the plan.

“Our position has always been to have an immediate ceasefire to stop the killing of our people,” said Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Ambassador to the U.N.

Israel accepted the proposal, but Blinken said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains skeptical.

Blinken’s mission to ultimately win over Hamas support for the plan faces another hurdle following Israel’s rescue operation that saved four hostages but killed hundreds of Palestinians.

“I think this is a critical moment,” said Blinken.

Blinken plans to meet with Benny Gantz Tuesday who resigned from Netanyahu’s war cabinet over the weekend.

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