Blinken tells Israeli leaders ‘the time is now’ for ceasefire in Gaza

(Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting Israeli leaders in his push for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, saying “the time is now” for an agreement that would free hostages and bring a suspension in the nearly seven months of war in Gaza.

He has said Hamas would bear the blame for any failure to get a deal off the ground.