Blinken ends latest Mideast visit without Gaza ceasefire

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended his ninth visit to the Middle East since the war in Gaza began without securing any major breakthrough for a ceasefire deal, warning on Tuesday that "time is of the essence" even as Hamas and Israel signaled that challenges remain.

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After meetings in fellow mediating countries Egypt and Qatar, Blinken said that because Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge gaps with the militant group, the focus turns to doing everything possible to "get Hamas on board" and ensure both sides agree to key details on implementation.

"Our message is simple. It's clear and it's urgent," he told reporters before leaving Qatar.

"We need to get a ceasefire and hostage agreement over the finish line, and we need to do it now. Time is of the essence."