Blinken says ‘time is now’ for Gaza cease-fire

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said late Tuesday that "the time is now" for a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza war, and that it is up to Hamas to agree to Israel's proposal and "compromise."

Blinken's remarks came during a press conference after he met with Israeli leaders earlier in the day.

Asked by a Wall Street Journal reporter if the planned Israeli invasion of Rafah would complicate or jeopardize U.S. efforts for a cease-fire agreement, Blinken said the Biden administration’s main focus right now is to reach a deal for civilians in Gaza and the remaining Israeli hostages in Hamas control.

“That is the most urgent thing, and it’s also I think what is achievable, because the Israelis have put a strong proposal on the table,” Blinken said. “They’ve demonstrated that they’re willing to compromise, and now it’s on Hamas.”

“And no more delays, no more excuses — the time to act is now,” he continued.

Blinken met with Israeli leaders during his seventh visit to the region since the war began in October. He’s attempting to secure a deal between Israel and Hamas before the Israel Defense Forces enter the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where thousands of Palestinians are sheltering amidst the war.

The most recent round of talks appears to be serious, The Associated Press reported, but both Israel and Hamas remain divided on if the war should end as part of a deal.

The United States is focused on the cease-fire deal because it is “the best way, the most effective way, to really deal with the suffering of the people and also to create an environment in which we can hopefully move forward to something that’s really sustainable and that has lasting peace for the people who so desperately need it and lasting security for the Israelis as well,” Blinken said.

He emphasized that the U.S. has been coordinating with Jordan to create a direct route into northern Gaza, and first shipments of humanitarian aid were leaving Tuesday.

Blinken applauded the Jordanians, who he said have done a “remarkable job” putting together the aid route and shipments.

“So, this is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done. And in particular, we have to make sure that our focus is not only on inputs but on impact and really measuring whether the aid that people need actually getting to them in an effect way,” Blinken said.

Blinken said the U.S. is committed to creating a cease-fire agreement between both parties and the "only reason that wouldn't be achieved is because of Hamas," CNN reported.