US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that the Israeli government has accepted the American proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging Hamas to reciprocate.

During his current visit to Tel Aviv, Blinken told reporters that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had confirmed Israel's acceptance of the ceasefire proposal. "Now it is up to Hamas to accept it," he stated, expressing hope that Hamas' acceptance would bridge the gap between the two sides.

Blinken emphasized that a permanent ceasefire is the best way to secure the release of hostages. "The longer the conflict drags on, the more the hostages will suffer and potentially perish," he warned, urging all parties to avoid escalating tensions and expanding the violence.

The Secretary of State revealed that he will travel to Egypt and Qatar to push for a deal, adding that experts will work in the coming days to provide a clear understanding of the agreement's implementation.

Mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, talks are scheduled to resume this week in Cairo, following a two-day meeting in Doha last week that focused on narrowing the gap between the two sides.

Sources familiar with the negotiations told Reuters that several key sticking points remain. Hamas seeks an agreement that guarantees an end to the war in Gaza, while Netanyahu aims for an agreement that allows him to resume hostilities in the territory until Hamas is no longer a threat.

Hamas demands the withdrawal of Israel from the Philadelphi Corridor, bordering Egypt, while Israel seeks to maintain control.

Israel also insists on thorough inspections of displaced Palestinians upon their return to northern Gaza, while Hamas demands freedom of movement for these individuals.

The proposed three-phase ceasefire plan includes the release of 33 hostages, dead or alive, in the first phase, under humanitarian grounds. Netanyahu has indicated his desire to increase the number of living hostages released during this phase.