Israeli occupation is 'unacceptable for Gaza's future': US Secretary of State Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken siad on Monday that Hamas reacted to President Joe Biden's cease-fire proposal by "attempting to impose new conditions, shifting their stance, reneging on previously agreed positions, and seeking more concessions".

"When this conflict concludes, it must not end with a vacuum," Blinken emphasised. "If we are not prepared, and if the region is not prepared, a vacuum will emerge, and such vacuums are often filled by negative forces before positive ones."

"Three outcomes are unacceptable for Gaza's future: an Israeli occupation, Hamas continuing its rule, or a state of chaos and lawlessness," Blinken added.

Regarding Lebanon, Blinken noted that "None of the main parties desire a war... However, there are forces and momentum that may be pushing in that direction."

He added that ending the conflict in Gaza is "crucial" for achieving a diplomatic agreement between Israel and Lebanon, stating that "Hezbollah has linked its actions to the situation in Gaza and indicated it will cease firing at Israel if a cease-fire is established."