Hamas says it views cease-fire talks favorably amid pressure to accept deal

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In the proposal, Israel has made "very important compromises," Blinken said after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It would also "produce an immediate cease-fire, get the hostages home, alleviate suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza" in the short term, Blinken added before departing Israel.

In remarks Wednesday in Ashdod, Israel, Blinken cited "meaningful progress" on increasing aid to Gaza and said a maritime corridor for deliveries via a temporary pier under construction by the U.S. military was "probably a week away" from being operational.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant briefed Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the Israeli military's "ongoing activities and preparation for future operations in Gaza," Gallant's adviser Betty Ilovici said Thursday. The briefing comes as fears are mounting of an Israeli ground invasion of the southern Gazan city of Rafah.

Although Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel would enter Rafah "with or without a deal," Blinken told reporters that he didn't view the remarks as an impediment toward a deal. "People say things," Blinken said, referring to Netanyahu's remarks. "Let's focus on what they're doing, what we're doing."

Fifty-seven Democratic lawmakers signed an open letter urging President Biden to withhold sending offensive weaponry and other military support to Israel that could be used in an assault on Rafah. The letter was spearheaded by Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.).

At least 34,596 people have been killed and 77,816 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority of the dead are women and children.

Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's Oct. 7 attack, including more than 300 soldiers, and says 263 soldiers have been killed since the launch of its military operation in Gaza.