Israel Accepts U.S. Proposal; Talks Continue

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other officials to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza, following Israel's acceptance of a U.S. 'bridging proposal' aimed at narrowing gaps between Israel and Hamas. Blinken emphasized the importance of preventing regional escalation and praised Egypt's mediation efforts. While Hamas expressed willingness for a ceasefire, they criticized new conditions allegedly imposed by Israel and the U.S. The proposal includes allowing Israeli troops to patrol part of the Gaza-Egypt border, a point of contention for Hamas and Egypt. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continue, with recent attacks on civilian structures like schools, prompting international condemnation. More negotiations are expected in Egypt and Qatar this week.