U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a U.S. bridging proposal aimed at finalizing a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. Blinken emphasized that it is now up to Hamas to accept the proposal, following his constructive meeting with Netanyahu. However, Hamas has yet to respond positively, having previously rejected the proposal and accused Israel of complicating negotiations with additional demands. While both sides have indicated a willingness to negotiate, significant gaps remain regarding military presence and terms of a ceasefire. The U.S. continues to work with Egypt and Qatar in mediating these high-stakes talks, which are critical for regional stability amid rising tensions. Netanyahu expressed appreciation for U.S. support of Israel's security needs but acknowledged that complex issues still need resolution.