Blinken says negotiations on ceasefire, hostage release ‘getting closer’

Negotiations to secure an immediate ceasefire in the war in Gaza tied to the release of hostages held by Hamas are “getting closer” to a deal, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday.

“I think the gaps are narrowing, and I think an agreement is very much possible,” Blinken said in an interview with Al-Hadath in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to a transcript released by the State Department.