Israel defence minister: important to seize chance for Gaza deal

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant meet in Berlin

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant attends a joint press conference with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (not pictured) in Berlin, Germany, September 28, 2023. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

Source: X90145

Israel and the United States agree on the importance of seizing the opportunity for a Gaza ceasefire deal but challenges remain, Israel's Defence Ministry said on Wednesday after its minister, Yoav Gallant, met U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk.

"The two discussed the importance of seizing the opportunity created to achieve an agreement for the return of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza," the ministry said in a statement about the meeting, which it said took place on Tuesday evening.

"They discussed the challenges that remain in achieving such an agreement, as well as possible solutions to address them," it said.

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Gallant also said Israel supports the opening of the Rafah crossing, between Egypt and Gaza, but will not tolerate the return of Hamas to the area, the ministry statement said.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters