Meet Erdogan, US Secretary Of State Discusses Ceasefire In Gaza

JAKARTA - United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of approval of the Palestinian militant group Hamas against the Gaza ceasefire agreement. This was discussed in his talks with the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey.

"In my discussions with President Erdogan and Minister Fidan, we talked about the importance of Hamas saying yes to the (Gaza) agreement that could ultimately help end this," Blinken said after his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara.

"We really appreciate the role Turkey can play in using its voice with Hamas, to try to solve this problem," Blinken added.

As previously reported, the United States (US) national security adviser Jake Sullivan believes the deal on the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages will soon be reached.

Israel has signaled it is ready, while Hamas is said to have responded to negotiations.

"This may not happen but I believe this could happen if there is political will from both sides," Sullivan said after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Thursday, December 12.