U.S. pushes for Gaza ceasefire as death toll climbs

August 19, 2024 - The U.S., Qatar and Egypt are mediating to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza, as the death toll from Israel’s war on Hamas passes 40,000, of which 40 percent are children.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said now is "probably the best, maybe the last opportunity" to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza.

Mr Blinken made his comments during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday during his ninth trip to the region since the war began in October.

The U.S. has expressed optimism about a deal since talks resumed in Doha last week, but Hamas says suggestions of progress are an "illusion", with differences said to include whether Israeli troops will be required to withdraw fully from Gaza, as Hamas insists.

Mr Blinken is expected to maintain pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when they meet later on Monday.