Washington (TDI): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to depart for the Middle East on Monday, aiming to initiate ceasefire negotiations to halt the Gaza war, following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
This will be Blinken’s eleventh visit to the region since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which led to the ongoing conflict.
Despite Israel intensifying its military operations in Gaza and against Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, the US remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution to end the violence.
The State Department confirmed Blinken’s trip will begin with Israel, though his exact itinerary remains undisclosed.
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His discussions will focus on ending the conflict, securing the release of hostages, and addressing the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians in Gaza.
“Secretary Blinken will continue discussions on the post-conflict period and emphasize the need for a new path forward that allows Palestinians to rebuild their lives,” the State Department said in its statement.
Calls for Ceasefire
US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris—also the Democratic candidate for the upcoming November presidential election—and other Western leaders have expressed their desire for the conflict to conclude, especially following Sinwar’s death, who played a key role in orchestrating the October 7 attack.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated the war will continue, with analysts suggesting he may prefer to wait until the end of Biden’s term in January, hoping for more favorable negotiations with either Harris or the Republican contender, former President Donald Trump, with whom Netanyahu has had a close relationship.
Alongside ceasefire efforts, Blinken is expected to emphasize the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where food, medicine, and fuel supplies have dwindled.
Also Read: Over 1.8M in Gaza Face Hunger
The region has suffered severe devastation, with Gaza health officials reporting over 42,500 Palestinian deaths and thousands more feared trapped under rubble.
While Hamas’s attack claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in the capture of over 250 hostages, Israel’s military response has left much of Gaza in ruins, raising concerns over the long-term impact of the war on civilians.
