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Added on the 06/02/2024 18:43:29 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The United States says an Israel-Hamas deal to free hostages in return for a pause in fighting remains possible and would have "tremendous" benefits, after a deadly Israeli operation freed two captives. "We do believe that a deal is possible and we're going to continue to pursue it," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller tells reporters during a briefing. "We think the benefits of a pause and a deal for hostages are tremendous, not just obviously for the hostages who would be released but also for the humanitarian effort in Gaza and for our ability to begin to pursue a real and lasting, sustainable resolution of this conflict," he adds. SOUNDBITE
Hundreds of Israeli protesters gather around a fire set outside the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv as they rally to demand early elections and a deal to release hostages held in Gaza since Hamas's October 7 attacks. IMAGES
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
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voices hope for a deal to free hostages from Gaza but said more work was needed after briefing Israeli leaders on a Qatari-brokered proposal. IMAGES
A framework for the release of hostages held in Gaza is to be relayed to Hamas, Qatar's prime minister says following meetings with US, Israeli and Egyptian officials. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani says "good progress" had been made during talks between the parties who were "hoping to relay this proposal to Hamas and to get them to a place where they engage positively and constructively in the process". SOUNDBITE
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