'We reject enduring Israeli occupation of Gaza', says Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told MSNBC that the United States is intensifying efforts to finalise a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. 

Blinken expressed optimism, claiming that Hamas is under mounting pressure to engage in negotiations. "We are encouraged about prospects for a truce," he said, emphasising the urgency of bringing a halt to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

However, Blinken strongly rejected the idea of an Israeli occupation of Gaza, calling it counterproductive and detrimental to Israel's interests.

"The alternative to a deal," he said, "is an enduring Israeli occupation of Gaza, which we reject. And we reject it, among other reasons, because it's profoundly not in Israel's interest." He warned that Hamas militants "have the capacity to make life a living hell for any occupying force in Gaza."