VIENNA: The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday that Washington is working closely with Israel and mediators Qatar and Egypt to bridge gaps for a hostage deal that would see a halt in fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office termed the latest proposals for a hostage deal by Hamas as unrealistic but said a delegation would leave for Qatar to discuss Israel’s position on a potential settlement.
Blinken, during a a visit to Austria, said Israel will be dispatching a team showing sense of both responsibility and urgency to finalize an agreement on the release of hostages.
The US top diplomat told media that talks on the issue will take place very soon.
Netanyahu’s office a on Friday said the prime minister had approved plans for a military offensive in Rafah, the southern Gaza city where more than a million people are taking shelters saying the army was is waiting for the evacuation of the civilian population.
Blinken added the U.S. seeks a clear and implementable plan for a military operation in Rafah, including to evacuate civilians.
