The secretary of state and NSC spokesperson both announce progress.
White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby said that Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a temporary ceasefire deal.
“There is a good proposal before both sides, and they need to both accept that proposal so we can get this in place,” Spokesperson Kirby said. “We are as close as we think we have ever been.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed this assessment at a Tuesday press conference, saying that “the negotiations have now reached a final stage” and that both sides “agreed on the urgency of bringing this process to closure.”
President Joe Biden presented preliminary terms for a six-week ceasefire between Israel and Hamas two months ago, proposing an exchange of the hostages held by Hamas with Palestinian prisoners in Israel to begin the break necessary for humanitarian aid and diplomatic negotiations. The United Nations approved the deal in June, but the two parties involved are still working out the final terms of the agreement.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Spokesperson Kirby as he communicates national security concerns from the White House.
- For Secretary Blinken as he heads diplomatic efforts to implement a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
- For the peace of Jerusalem and the people who reside in Israel and Gaza.
Sources: The Hill, UPI
