US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on the Islamic group Hamas to immediately accept the latest proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

Blinken visited Egypt and Qatar on Tuesday. Those countries and the United States are mediating talks aimed at securing an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of the hostages.

Blinken addressed reporters after the talks. He said, "Time is of the essence, because with every passing day, there's the danger of escalation in the region."

The secretary spoke about the proposal and efforts to narrow the gaps between Israel and Hamas. He said, "Israel has now accepted that proposal." He added that the mediators "hope and expect that Hamas will do the same."

Blinken also said that the United States, Egypt and Qatar are going to do everything possible over the coming days to "get Hamas on board with the bridging proposal."

The next round of talks will reportedly take place in Egypt on Thursday and Friday.