Israeli PM's "maximalist" ceasefire stance is criticized by the US

In response to Benjamin Netanyahu's reported remarks, a high-ranking official from the US administration criticized the Israeli prime minister for making remarks that were considered unduly ambitious and unhelpful in reaching a ceasefire agreement.

During a flurry of regional diplomacy, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is working tirelessly to advance progress on a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Mr. Blinken held extensive discussions with the Israeli leader in Jerusalem on Monday, lasting three hours.

According to reports, Mr. Netanyahu has reportedly agreed to Washington's proposed "bridging proposal" in an attempt to address contentious issues and facilitate a potential agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli media recently revealed that Mr. Netanyahu expressed his conviction to a gathering of hostage families.

He emphasised the importance of Israeli troops maintaining control over certain areas in Gaza that he deemed "strategic military and political assets," including the southern border with Egypt.

The comments in question have provoked a strong reaction from the US administration.

"The senior official, who requested anonymity, acknowledged the prime minister's remarks regarding certain items," stated the source.

"Despite not engaging in public negotiations, Secretary Blinken and the United States remain steadfast in their conviction that the successful conclusion of a ceasefire proposal is essential."

If Hamas accepts the bridging proposal, we anticipate further discussions to address the technical details.

"Moreover, it is worth noting that making exaggerated statements like this does not contribute to successfully negotiating a ceasefire deal. It may even jeopardize implementing discussions at various levels, including working level and technical talks, when both parties have already agreed to a bridging proposal."

Following Tuesday's discussions between Mr Blinken and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the coastal city of El-Alamein, the senior official made the following statements.

According to reports, Egyptian officials are expressing strong opposition to the presence of Israeli troops along Egypt's border in Gaza.

After he visited Egypt, Mr. Blinken proceeded to Qatar for additional discussions in Doha, marking the final destination of his Middle East tour.

In a surprising revelation, the American bridging proposal contains a comprehensive plan outlining the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The information, disclosed for the first time, sheds new light on the negotiations.

"According to Mr. Blinken, the agreement provides a clear outline of the schedule and locations for IDF withdrawals from Gaza that Israel has agreed to," Mr. Blinken stated.

When questioned by the BBC about Prime Minister Netanyahu's alleged statement that he had "persuaded" Secretary Blinken to maintain troops in Gaza, Secretary Blinken responded, "I cannot comment on what he is quoted as saying. I can only speak to what I heard from him during our three-hour meeting yesterday [Monday].

Israel has endorsed the bridging proposal, which includes a detailed plan. The plan, among other details, consists of a well-defined timetable and designated locations for withdrawals.

When questioned about the proposal, Mr. Blinken declined to provide any specifics, stating that he would not comment on the plan's details.

Hamas expressed strong opposition to the latest ceasefire proposals, claiming that they undermined the previous agreements reached in negotiations.

They emphasised their preference for a ceasefire plan for Gaza that reflects the progress made in July rather than starting new rounds of talks.