The US State Department said that there was still “a bridge proposal on the table that would extend the ceasefire” in Gaza but the opportunity for it was “closing fast”, Reuters reports.

“Right now, we still have a bridge proposal on the table that would extend the ceasefire and see the release of five live hostages, including American Edan Alexander. It would also see the release of a substantial number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails,” a State Department spokesperson said, blaming Hamas.

“The opportunity is still there, but it’s closing fast.”

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