From the Liveblog of
Friday, August 16, 2024
US confirms Blinken’s Sunday Israel trip aimed at finalizing hostage deal
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
The US State Department confirms that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel on Sunday “to continue intensive diplomatic efforts to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages and detainees through the bridging proposal presented today by the United States, with support from Egypt and Qatar.”
“This proposal would achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages, ensure humanitarian assistance is distributed throughout Gaza and create the conditions for broader regional stability,” the State Department says.
Blinken “will underscore the critical need for all parties in the region to avoid escalation or any other actions that could undermine the ability to finalize an agreement,” the statement adds.
