Last opportunity to secure ceasefire and hostage release deal – Blinken 

• Last opportunity to secure ceasefire and hostage release deal – Blinken 
• Antony Blinken has said now is “probably the best, maybe the last opportunity” for deal
• The US has expressed optimism about a deal since talks resumed in Doha last week
• Hamas says suggestions of progress are an “illusion”

Last opportunity to secure ceasefire and hostage release deal – Blinken 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called the current moment “probably the best, maybe the last opportunity” to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. Blinken made these remarks during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, marking his ninth visit to the region since the conflict began in October.

The U.S. has shown optimism about reaching a deal, particularly after talks resumed in Doha last week. However, Hamas has dismissed claims of progress as an “illusion,” insisting that any agreement must include the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Blinken is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue pushing for an agreement. The negotiations are based on a modified U.S. proposal aimed at closing the gap between Israel and Hamas. While the U.S. hopes to finalise the deal soon, both Israeli and Hamas leadership remain sceptical, accusing each other of obstructing progress.

Hamas has publicly blamed Netanyahu for setting new conditions that hinder the agreement, particularly regarding the Israeli military’s presence along Gaza’s southern border. 

'This is a decisive moment, probably the best and maybe the last opportunity to get hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks in Tel Aviv ⬇️https://t.co/BMRx47CDxW pic.twitter.com/QdatvUNLCS

— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 19, 2024

A ceasefire deal in November led to the release of 105 hostages by Hamas in exchange for a week-long ceasefire and the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Israel reports that 111 hostages are still being held, with 39 presumed dead.