"In a very constructive meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu today, he confirmed to me that Israel accepts the bridging proposal," Blinken told reporters following a meeting with Netanyahu as part of his trip to Israel.
According to Blinken, it is now incumbent on Hamas to agree to the new proposal and then both parties and mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, will complete the process of reaching clear understandings about how they will implement the commitments that they have made under this agreement.
Blinken also said he is traveling to Egypt and Qatar to consult with their leaders on steps needed to secure Hamas' support for the recent bridging proposal on a Gaza ceasefire.
"From here, I'm going on to Egypt, and Qatar ... I look forward to consulting with President Sisi [Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi], with the Emir Sheik Tamim [Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani] with other critical colleagues in both countries on the immediate steps ahead, and in particular, what needs to be done to ensure that Hamas comes along," Blinken said during the press briefing.
Blinken added that the next crucial step is for Hamas to agree to the ceasefire proposal, noting that negotiators will then work on the details of the deal.