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Added on the 25/05/2021 11:41:44 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani says the country is reassessing its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas after suffering criticism. IMAGES
US President Joe Biden urges Hamas to move on a proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, while calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more aid into the Palestinian territory. "It's now up to Hamas, they need to move on the proposal that's been made," Biden tells a press conference at the White House, adding that the amount of aid getting into Gaza following a tense call with Netanyahu was "not enough." SOUNDBITE
The United States says that a ceasefire voted by the United Nations can "only" be implemented once Hamas begins releasing hostages it still holds. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken calls on Hamas to accept an "immediate ceasefire" with Israel as the militants met Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Cairo. "We have an opportunity for an immediate ceasefire that can bring hostages home, that can dramatically increase the amount of humanitarian assistance getting to Palestinians who so desperately need it, and then also set the conditions for an enduring resolution," Blinken says as he meets the Qatari prime minister in Washington. "It is on Hamas to make decisions about whether it is prepared to engage in that ceasefire," he adds. SOUNDBITE
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says "an immediate full ceasefire" between Israel and Hamas which collapses into fighting "would not be in anyone's interest" ahead of a parliamentary debate on the issue. Speaking during his weekly question session, Sunak tells the House of Commons that he backs an "immediate humanitarian pause" ahead of a motion and vote on a ceasefire in the chamber. SOUNDBITE