TEL AVIV, Israel: Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State has landed in the Middle East on what is his ninth diplomatic mission to the region since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Antony Blinken says he hopes for the quick conclusion of a ceasefire agreement hanging in the balance.
Ahead of another significant meeting of ceasefire negotiators in Cairo later this week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday. He is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog on Monday. According to the State Department, Blinken will then travel to Egypt on Tuesday to engage with officials there and may visit at least one more country in the region before returning to the United States.
A senior official accompanying Blinken stated that his arrival in the region is at a “critical juncture” for the ceasefire discussions. He intends to urge all involved parties to expedite the conclusion of the ceasefire to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza and avert the spread of the conflict throughout the region.
Last week, the trio of mediating countries—Egypt, Qatar, and the USA—announced advancements in a potential ceasefire deal. This agreement would require Israel to cease most military actions in Gaza and free several Palestinian prisoners as a trade for the liberation of hostages held by Hamas.
Officials have stated that the USA has put forward proposals to bridge the remaining gaps between Israeli and Hamas positions. Formal responses to the U.S. proposals are anticipated this week, which may result in a ceasefire declaration unless the negotiations fail, as has occurred with several prior attempts to conclude the 10-month-old conflict. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of obstructing ceasefire negotiations on Sunday.
U.S. President Joe Biden appeared optimistic about reaching an agreement, stating on Friday that “we are closer than we’ve ever been.” Israel has reacted favorably to the bridging proposals, but Hamas has not yet disclosed its response.
The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has climbed past 40,000 since the war began, according to the Palestinian health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilian and militant deaths.
(With AP inputs)
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