Estimating that reaching a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip seems “closer than ever”, the US president warned the parties involved not to undermine the process.

Joe Biden says in his statement that the US Secretary of State Anthony Binken is going to the Middle East to emphasize that “with the looming now complete agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages, no one in the region should by their actions undermine this process”.

The US president had made no secret of his dismay at the July 31 attack in Tehran attributed to Israel that killed Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas who was involved in negotiations to reach a truce in Gaza. The US has also warned Iran not to follow through on threats of retaliation, which have raised concerns of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

President Biden said Secretary Blinken would reaffirm “unwavering support for Israel’s security,” continuing “our intensive efforts to get this deal done.”

The US presented a new proposal during the Doha talks, backed by Egypt and Qatar, but Hamas rejected the “new Israeli terms”. Negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza will resume in Cairo next week.