Foreign Minister Blinken Warns Middle Gaza's Armistice Negotiations Could Be The Last Chance

US Foreign Minister Blinken. (Twitter/@SecBlinken)

JAKARTA - United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the current ceasefire negotiations could be the last chance to reach an agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip.

Marathon talks to reach a ceasefire in Gaza have been going on for months, but have not succeeded in easing the war there. The US together with Qatar and Egypt have acted as mediators.

After last week's indirect talks in Doha, Qatar, which was judged to have made a lot of progress, talks will be held this week in Cairo, Egypt.

"This is a decisive moment, perhaps the best, perhaps the last chance to bring the hostages home, to reach a ceasefire and put everyone on a better path to lasting peace and security," said Foreign Minister Blinken, who is visiting Israel. August 19.

He was in Israel to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyhu to President Isaac Herzog.

Foreign Minister Blinken will intensify US diplomatic pressure to ensure negotiators get a breakthrough this weekend, after the US submitted a proposal bridging last week, believed by intermediate countries to close the gap among the warring parties.

"I am here as part of intensive diplomatic efforts on President Biden's instructions to try to reach this agreement and eventually cross the line. This is the time for everyone to say "yes" and find no excuses to say "no"," Foreign Minister Blinken added.

Separately, health authorities in Gaza announced on Sunday that the death toll of Palestinians in the enclave had reached 40,099, and 92,609 others were injured, quoted from WAFA.