Blinken: Netanyahu accepts bridging proposal, now Hamas must do the same

In remarks he gave towards the end of his planned visit to Israel, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said today (Monday) in Tel Aviv that Prime Minister Netanyahu "accepts the bridging proposal, that he supports it" and that "It’s now incumbent on Hamas to do the same."

The Secretary of State said he is now heading to Egypt and Qatar to help ensure the release of the hostages and the securing of a ceasefire agreement.

For his part, Netanyahu said regarding his meeting with Blinken that "I also greatly appreciate the understanding that the US has shown for our vital security interests as part of our joint efforts to bring about the release of our hostages."

Adding an important detail to his agreeing to the bridging proposal, Netanyahu said that "I would like to emphasize: The efforts to release a maximum number of living hostages – already in the first stage of the deal."