US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to an American "bridging proposal" for a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Mr. Blinken adds that it is now up to Hamas to agree.
The pair met in Tel Aviv for talks that Mr. Netanyahu has described as positive, with his office adding that he had reiterated his commitment to an American proposal on the release of the hostages still held by Hamas, which took into account Israel's security needs.
Mr. Blinken had earlier warned this was perhaps the last opportunity to secure a ceasefire agreement, as the US hopes to push a deal over the finish line.
The Americans hope that could happen perhaps as soon as this time next week, but that level of optimism is not shared by the Israeli leadership or Hamas.
Each accuses the other of obstinate cynicism, and blocking a deal.
The US secretary of state will now travel on to Egypt and then Qatar, to try and drive forward progress on a deal.
Meanwhile, reports from Gaza speak of a worsening humanitarian situation amid continuing Israeli military activity.
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