The Hamas militant group in Gaza called on Washington on Thursday to "pressure" Israel to accept a permanent cease-fire in the territory, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wraps up a Mideast tour.

"He continues to talk about Israel's agreement of the latest [cease-fire] proposal, but we have not heard any Israeli official speak out on this," Hamas said in a statement, urging Blinken to put "direct pressure" on Israel.