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Added on the 07/02/2024 21:42:27 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says that a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and release of remaining hostages by Hamas is near the "goal line." "I believe we're inside the 10-yard line and driving toward the goal line" on an "agreement that would produce a ceasefire, get the hostages home, and put us on a better track to trying to build lasting peace and stability," Blinken says at a forum in Colorado. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voices hope for a deal to free hostages from Gaza but said more work was needed after briefing Israeli leaders on a Qatari-brokered proposal. IMAGES
"We are now at the closest we ever have been at reaching an agreement. We are very optimistic, we are very hopeful. But we are also very keen for this mediation to succeed in reaching a humanitarian truce" says Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari during a press conference in Doha. IMAGES
Israelis rally in Tel Aviv calling for a ceasefire and the safe return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Israelis have taken to the streets for a fourth day in a row following the recovery of six dead hostages from Gaza and after prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed making any "concessions" in stalled talks towards a hostage release deal. IMAGES
The United States calls for urgency and flexibility to finalize an agreement between Israel and Hamas for a truce in Gaza, after the recent deaths of six hostages. "There are dozens of hostages still remaining in Gaza, still waiting for a deal that will bring them home. It is time to finalize that deal," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
Supporters of Zambian President Lungu hold a rally in Lusaka during a tense presidential race, which has been marked by clashes between rival supporters. The presidential election will take place on Thursday. IMAGES.