Blinken says truce deal still possible, Hamas delegation to resume talks in Cairo

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas is still possible.

Blinken made the announcement late Wednesday after talks with Israeli leaders. The discussions focused on Hamas’ response to a cease-fire proposal floated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar.

“While there are some clear nonstarters in Hamas’ response, we do think it creates space for an agreement to be reached,” Blinken said.

Earlier Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected key Hamas demands, leaving the fate of the cease-fire efforts in question.

A senior Hamas official said the Palestinian militant group will be sending a delegation to Cairo to continue talks on a cease-fire and hostage release deal.

Osama Hamdan made the remarks Wednesday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas' plan.

Hamdan did not say when the delegation would leave to Cairo. But its departure signals that talks are still ongoing despite the posturing from both Hamas and Netanyahu.

Hamdan said the group's terms would continue to evolve while insisting on a permanent cease-fire.

Speaking from the Lebanese capital Beirut, Hamdan called on the group’s militants to carry on its confrontations with the Israeli military.