U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Yahya Sinwar, who has been appointed the new leader of Hamas's political wing, has the ability to ensure a ceasefire agreement and end the war in Gaza and free the hostages.

Blinken points out that Sinwar "has been and remains the key decision-maker when it comes to reaching a ceasefire agreement."

He added that Hamas's announcement promoting Sinwar "only underscores the reality that it really is up to him to decide whether to move forward with a ceasefire that will clearly help many Palestinians in desperate need, women, children, and men caught in the crossfire." "... It really is up to him."

Blinken confirmed that talks about implementing the agreement after months of grueling negotiations continued despite the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, who Sinwar will now take charge of.

He explained that efforts to reach a ceasefire are in the final stages but are threatened by tensions with Iran.

Stating, "We believe there is no reason to prevent these negotiations from being completed quickly," "This is really the right time for all parties involved to finalize these negotiations, no delays, no excuses, and no reason preventing us from doing something focused on reaching an agreement."