Blinken pushes for progress on Gaza cease-fire-for-hostages deal in meetings with Egyptian mediators – Metro US metro.us - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from metro.us Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed ahead with a diplomatic tour of the Middle East on Tuesday, meeting Egyptian and Qatari leaders as part of his efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in exchange for the release of hostages. Blinken's visit also comes amid growing concerns in Egypt about Israel's stated intentions to expand the combat in Gaza to areas on the Egyptian border that are crammed with displaced Palestinians.
Key mediator Qatar says Hamas’ response to the latest plan for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages was “generally positive.” But in its own statement, the militant group reiterated its demand for an end to the war, something Israel has thus far ruled out. Qatar’s prime minister announced the response Tuesday during a news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said he would brief Israel’s leaders on it when he meets with them on Wednesday. Blinken met with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince the day before. He said the Saudis still have a strong interest in normalizing relations with Israel.
Qatar gets positive response from Hamas on cease-fire plan as group reiterates its broader demands 2news.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from 2news.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.