Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists have again refused to release even a limited number of hostages to secure a cease-fire and relief for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The revelation came in a readout released Monday by the State Department of Blinken's call Sunday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.
Egypt proposed an initial 48-hour cease-fire during which Hamas would have prepared for the release of four Israeli hostages during the next 10 days, the Times of Israel reported Monday. The four hostages were to fall under the humanitarian category, meaning they were to be either women, elderly, or sick. In exchange, Israel was to release roughly 100 Palestinian security prisoners. Israel and Hamas would then hold talks over a 12-day period about a longer-lasting cease-fire.
According to the readout, Blinken "noted that Hamas has once again refused to release even a limited number of hostages to secure a cease-fire and relief for the people of Gaza. He discussed the importance of establishing a path for the post-conflict period that provides governance, security, and reconstruction."
The State Department also said Blinken and Abdelatty discussed efforts to promote a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists that would enable civilians on both sides of a demarcation line dividing Lebanon from Israel and the Golan Heights to return to their homes "with safety and security."
"The Secretary underscored the need for Lebanese leaders to swiftly address the country's presidential vacancy," the readout stated.
Lebanon has been without a president since Oct. 31, 2022, when Michel Aoun's term-limited government expired. Israel's offensive against Hezbollah has prompted a renewed bid by some leading Lebanese politicians to fill the presidential vacuum as the country grapples with an escalating conflict.
Michael Katz ✉
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.
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