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

“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.

“There remains some issues that need to be resolved, that need to be negotiated. We’re in the midst of doing exactly that.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to travel to Washington next week and address a joint session of the US Congress on July 24.

Biden expects to meet him, depending on the president’s recovery from Covid-19, the White House said on Thursday.

Blinken, asked about Netanyahu’s visit, said Washington wants to bring the ceasefire agreement over the finish line.

He added that it was critical there was a clear plan for what follows and that discussions with Netanyahu would likely centre around that.

Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas after the group’s fighters killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostage in an October 7 attack, according to Israeli tallies.

At least 38,848 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive since then, Gaza health authorities say.