Blinken comments on Hamas’ cease-fire plan proposals
Families and supporters of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza hold banners and flags during a protest calling for their return, outside meetings of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the war in Gaza will continue despite Hamas proposing several amendments to a U.S.-backed cease-fire plan.
Speaking to reporters in Qatar, Blinken said that some of Hamas’ suggested changes were “workable” while others were not, though he did not specify the nature of these changes. The U.S. and other mediators remain committed to “closing this deal.”
Hezbollah escalates tensions with massive rocket barrage
Regional tensions have further escalated as Lebanon’s Hezbollah launched a significant rocket barrage into northern Israel in retaliation for Israel’s killing of a senior Hezbollah commander.
The Israel Defense Forces reported that approximately 160 projectiles were fired from southern Lebanon, marking one of the largest attacks since the conflict began.
Air raid sirens sounded across northern Israel, with no immediate casualties reported as many rockets were intercepted by Iron Dome air defense systems and others caused fires in agricultural fields.
Blinken’s regional tour aims to garner support for the cease-fire proposal, which has yet to gain full acceptance from both Israel and Hamas.
