Possible Breakthrough in Gaza Negotiations in the Coming Hours

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the conclusion of his visit to Israel as part of a regional tour, stated that "in the coming hours, we may witness progress in negotiations regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, and we continue to press for that." He noted that "the attack on Rafah threatens to isolate Israel from the world." He added, "We attempted to pass a resolution in the Security Council to rally international support, and we are surprised by Russia's use of the veto," indicating that "any escalatory step that makes the two-state solution more difficult is not supported and is condemned."