Washington, 14 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip is "closer than it's ever been before," despite interruptions from protesters during his speech.

"Right now, as we sit here, we await final word from Hamas on its acceptance," Blinken said in Washington, adding that he is optimistic that a ceasefire will be agreed.

He did not say whether it could be achieved before the inauguration of Donald Trump as US president on January 20.

According to Israeli media, a three-stage plan for a ceasefire has been drawn up in the Qatari capital Doha.

The Israeli television channel Channel 13 reported that the plan envisages an initial ceasefire of 42 days, during which 33 hostages are to be released, most of whom are still alive. The bodies of those that have died are reportedly to be returned.

Blinken's speech was repeatedly interrupted by demonstrators.

"You will forever be known as the secretary of state for genocide. The blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent people is on your hands," one demonstrator shouted, referring to the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Blinken responded: "Thank you. I respect your views. Allow me to share mine."

Another demonstrator called Blinken a "war criminal" and a "monster."

With regard to the situation in the Middle East, Blinken later said: "I wish I could stand here today and tell you with certainty that we have made every decision right. But I can't."

He again presented a plan for Gaza's future, which included "new Palestinian-led governance with Gaza united with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, no Israeli military occupation of Gaza or reduction of Gaza's territory, no attempt after the conflict to besiege or block it, and no forcible displacement of Gaza's population."

The measures should also include a "sustained mechanism for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction," he said.

Negotiations to end Israel's war on Gaza - sparked by an unprecedented terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023 - have rumbled on in Doha for months.

Photo: EPA