US Secretary of State Blinken Says Hamas-Israel Gap Is Narrowing, Ceasefire Agreement Is Very Possible

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. (Twitter/@SecBlinken)

JAKARTA - United States Minister of Foreign Affairs Antony Blinken said a six-week ceasefire and the release of hostages between Hamas and Israel was very possible, as the gap between the two sides narrowed.

"We worked very hard with Qatar, Egypt and Israel to put forward a strong proposal. Hamas didn't want to accept it. They came back with other demands. The negotiators are working on that at the moment, but I believe it is very possible and very necessary." Blinken said to Al Hadath, as reported by The Times of Israel, March 21.

"If Hamas cared about the people they represent, then they would reach an agreement because that would have a direct impact on a ceasefire, reduce tremendous suffering, bring more humanitarian aid, and then give us the possibility of having something more lasting," he added.

It is known that the United States launched a new diplomatic push for a ceasefire in the nearly six-month-old war, to free hostages and bring in food aid to prevent famine in the Palestinian enclave.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is making another visit to the Middle East this week, where he will meet with senior leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, to "discuss the appropriate architecture for lasting peace" and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

This will be his sixth trip to the region since the latest conflict broke out on October 7. Recently, Minister of Foreign Affairs Blinken included an agenda to visit Israel next Friday on his trip agenda this time.