Blinken: Israel–Hamas Cease-Fire in ‘Last 10 Yards’

Published on July 19, 2024

Israel and Hamas are close to signing off on a cease-fire deal proposed by the Biden administration, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday. During a July 19 talk at the Aspen Institute think tank, Mr. Blinken said that a proposed Israel–Hamas cease-fire deal was “in the 10-yard line” and could be ratified by both sides soon. Mr. Blinken tempered his optimism, however, adding that “the last 10 yards are often the hardest.” “There remain some issues that need to be resolved, that need to be negotiated. We’re in the midst of doing exactly that,” he said. The Biden administration has been attempting to broker the proposed cease-fire since the end of May. That proposal is part of a larger framework unveiled by President Joe Biden that would lead Israel and Hamas through several transition phases including the return of hostages held by Hamas and the eventual removal of Israeli troops from urban centers....

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