US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that a ceasefire and hostage agreement in the Gaza Strip is “very close,” though it may not be finalized before the Biden administration ends on January 20.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Paris with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Blinken expressed optimism about reaching the agreement, stating, “The plan proposed by President Biden will likely guide the new administration in achieving this.”
Blinken highlighted the Biden administration’s efforts on Gaza’s post-war reconstruction, security, and governance, which are ready to transition to the incoming Trump administration. He also noted progress on a potential normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the opportunities these efforts present for regional stability.