From our Washington newsroom, the US and its allies are
seeing a ceasefire deal and seen as a way to
prevent Iran from launching an attack against Israel.
Now the clock is ticking as U.S.
officials say Israel and Hamas must come to an agreement.
Washington correspondent Basil John reports.
We'll see what Iran does and we'll see what happens
if there's any attack.
Time is running out as President Joe Biden and U.S.
officials warn Iran could attack Israel soon.
They say it's critical to reach a ceasefire deal with
Hamas.
It is time for the remaining hostages to be returned
home and that includes,
of course, American citizens. It's also has the potential to
bring about much needed relief to the people of Gaza.
The State Department says talks will resume Thursday with the
United States,
Qatar and Egypt acting as.
Mediators to reach a deal between Israel and Hamas so
that hostages can release such that we can see an
increase in humanitarian aid and more broadly create conditions for
diplomacy to get the region out of this endless cycle
of violence.
Iran rejected a request from European leaders to refrain from
any form of retaliation after the killing of Hamas political
leader.
The central conflict in the Middle East is not the
conflict between Israelis and Palestinians,
it's the conflict between Israel and Iran.
New York Democrat Congressman Ricky Torres worries the new Hamas
leader will be less cooperative toward a ceasefire deal.
The prospects for a ceasefire strike me as deeply pessimistic.
The Pentagon says the US is doing everything possible to
protect Israel and prevent any escalation.
But our focus is on de escalating tensions,
working on enabling that ceasefire and getting these hostages returned
home.
Israel confirmed it will attend these negotiations on Thursday.
Hamas's participation is still. In question reporting in Washington,
I'm Basil John.