Iran vs Israel: Time is now – US Secretary of State, Blinken tells Hamas to accept ceasefire deal

The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has urged Hamas to accept the latest proposal for a cease-fire deal with Israel.

Blinken said the “time is now” for an agreement that would free hostages and pause the nearly seven months of war in Gaza Strip.

Throughout months of talks, Hamas has said the freeing of all the hostages it holds must bring a permanent halt to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

But the US Secretary of State made the call during talks with Israeli’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Nateyanhu on Wednesday.

Netanyahu repeated his vow to launch the offensive on Rafah, which he says is Hamas’ last stronghold in Gaza.

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But Blinken said Israel has made “very important” compromises in cease-fire efforts, adding that it is now up to Hamas to get the deal done.

“There’s no time for further haggling. The deal is there,” Blinken said.