"Blinken Optimistic for Hamas-Israel Agreement Despite Differences"

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes there is potential for an agreement to be reached with Hamas on a ceasefire deal and the release of hostages, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's dismissal of Hamas' counterproposal as "delusional." Blinken emphasized the need for negotiations and expressed concerns about the humanitarian toll of the conflict in Gaza, urging Israel to take key steps to mitigate civilian suffering. He also pressed for a "revitalized" Palestinian Authority to lead a unified Gaza and West Bank, but Netanyahu has rejected this notion and emphasized Israel's intention to establish a buffer zone within Gaza.