Israel-Hamas ceasefire close to the goal line, Antony Blinken says

20/7/2024 7:26

        U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday a long-sought ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas was within sight, saying negotiators were "driving toward the goal line."
        
        The United States has been working with Qatar and Egypt to try to arrange a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict in order to free hostages held since Oct. 7 and get more humanitarian aid into the enclave.
        
        Blinken told the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado that Hamas and Israel had agreed to the ceasefire framework outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden in May after a lot of pushing and diplomacy, but said that some issues needed to be resolved.
        
        "I believe we're inside the 10-yard line and driving toward the goal line in getting an agreement that would produce a ceasefire, get the hostages home and put us on a better track to trying to build lasting peace and stability," Blinken said.