Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the “imperative” necessity of continuing negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas amid reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has abandoned the talks.

“We believe it must be and must remain a priority to do everything we can to bring the hostages home, to get them back with their loved ones, and that’s where our focus is,” Blinken said in Tirana, Albania. “And at least from the perspective of the United States, we think it’s imperative that we continue to pursue that urgently.”

Blinken declined to characterize “what [Netanyahu’s] views may or may not be on these questions.” In any case, the Israeli leader faces internal pressure to redouble his efforts to strike a deal, despite his stated position that increased military pressure on Hamas — which has taken refuge in Rafah, the southern Gaza Strip city that has functioned as a safe haven for Palestinian civilians — is a necessary path forward.