Summary
- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed frustration at surprise escalations threatening cease-fire deal in Gaza
- The United States, Egypt, and other international partners are working towards an agreement between Israel and Hamas
- Unexpected events such as the pager attack in Lebanon and discovery of hostages’ bodies have put the cease-fire deal at risk
- Blinken emphasized the need for both sides to show they actually want a deal for progress to be made