U.N. Security Council backs ceasefire deal in Gaza

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – A plan to end the fighting in Gaza and get more hostages freed now has major support from the United Nations Security Council.

Hamas has signaled it is moving closing to the negotiating table.

Qatar and Egypt issued a statement saying they received a response from Hamas, although Hamas didn’t agree to the deal, they said they will negotiate with Israel and the U.S. until an agreement is reached.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken greeted relatives of hostages outside of a hotel in Tel Aviv Tuesday.

“It’s hard for any of us to put ourselves in their shoes,” said Blinken.

Some in the crowd included family members of Americans who are still being held in Gaza.

“We are determined to bring them home,” he added.

The secretary is in the Middle East pushing the proposal President Biden revealed to end the eight months of fighting and secure the hostages’ release.

“Everyone has said yes, except for Hamas,” said Blinken.

On Monday, the plan got the backing of the U.N. Security Council.  It approved a resolution endorsing the phased proposal.

“We do not want to see the continuation of fighting,” said Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the U.N.

Hamas issued a statement in support of the security council measure.  Blinken views that as a “positive sign.”

While in the region he announced more than $400 million in additional humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians.

“In addition to the more than $1.8 billion in development, economic and humanitarian aid that the United States has provided,” Blinken said.

Blinken says he is worried the longer the war goes on it could escalate into a spillover war.

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