US is just wasting time: Hamas

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to the US's 'bridging proposal' for a cease-fire agreement in Gaza. Although Netanyahu agreed, Hamas expressed its displeasure with the US proposal. They say the US is just wasting time by proposing a revised treaty so Israel can continue the genocide. Hamas says the cease-fire agreement must lead to a permanent end to Israel's assault on Gaza.

Blinken described last Monday's meeting with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv as 'positive'. He said that Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel will accept their 'bridging proposal'. Blinken is visiting the Middle East for the ninth time since the start of the Gaza war. He traveled from Israel to Egypt on Tuesday to advance efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.

Renewed diplomatic efforts are underway for a cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza. Egypt, Qatar and the United States are mediating to secure the deal. Washington presented the latest proposal after talks in Doha, Qatar last week.

Hamas says the new proposal accepts Netanyahu's demands.

Netanyahu's refusal to accept a cease-fire, not a full troop withdrawal from Gaza, and his insistence on retaining control of the Netzerim Corridor, the Rafah border crossing, the Philadelphia Corridor are fulfilling.

In addition, Hamas called on the world to pressure Netanyahu to agree to the cease-fire proposal proposed by US President Joe Biden on May 31.

Another round of ceasefire talks is set to begin in Cairo, Egypt this week. Netanyahu told Blinken he would send an Israeli delegation to Cairo for talks. Blinken traveled to the Egyptian Mediterranean city of Al Alamin on Tuesday.

There he met with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Sisi warned of the consequences of the 'territorial expansion of the conflict', telling Blinkon, 'It is time to end the ongoing war.'

Blinken will now go to Doha to meet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.