US says Gaza ceasefire to start as planned despite 'loose end'

A Palestinian child sits amid the rubble of buildings destroyed in previous Israeli strikes, ahead of a ceasefire set to take effect on Sunday, in Gaza City January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The Gaza Strip ceasefireshould begin on Sunday as planned, despite the need for negotiators to tie up a "loose end" at the last minute, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday.

Israel delayed holding a cabinet meeting to ratify the ceasefire with Hamas, blaming the militant group for the hold-up, even as Israeli warplanes pounded Gaza in some of the most intense strikes for months. Palestinian authorities said at least 77 people were killed in the day since the truce was unveiled.