Ceasefire deal should be 'no-brainer' for Hamas: Blinken

He says the militant group is only obstacle standing between the people of Gaza and a truce

Accepting a ceasefire deal with Israel should be a "no-brainer" for Hamas, but the motivations of the militants' elusive Gaza-based leadership remain unclear, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Hamas negotiators arrived in Cairo on May 4 for new talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, where the war between the Iran-backed militant group and Israel is nearing the seven-month mark.

"We wait to see whether, in effect, they can take yes for an answer on the ceasefire and release of hostages," Mr Blinken said late on May 3.

"The reality in this moment is the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas." Noting that the militants "purport to represent" the Palestinian people, Mr Blinken said: "If it is true, then taking the ceasefire should be a no-brainer." He added: "But maybe something else is going on, and we'll have a better picture of that in the coming days." Reports in Saudi Arabian media that could not be independently confirmed suggested Hamas negotiators were prepared to accept an Egypt-brokered deal within hours.