Israel-Hamas war: Hard decisions remain over ceasefire, says Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge differences holding up a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza. He called on Hamas to do the same.

Blinken on Tuesday was on his ninth urgent mission to the Middle East since the war in Gaza began more than 10 months ago. He did not say whether the bridging proposal addressed concerns cited by Hamas.

Even if the militant group accepts the proposal, negotiators will spend the coming days working on clear understandings on implementing the agreement, Blinken said. He said there are still complex issues requiring hard decisions by the leaders, without offering specifics.

Blinken is travelling to Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday for further negotiations after meetings in Israel on Monday.

His visit came days after mediators, including the United States, expressed renewed optimism that a deal was close. His trip also came amid fears the conflict could widen into a deeper regional war following the killing