US top diplomat Blinken lands in Israel for Gaza cease-fire talks
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken returns to Israel as part of a focused diplomatic effort to achieve an immediate and sustained cease-fire in Gaza
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to Israel on Friday as part of a focused diplomatic effort to achieve an immediate and sustained cease-fire in Gaza.
This visit to Tel Aviv will conclude Blinken's sixth round of shuttle diplomacy in the region following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. His agenda includes meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war cabinet.
Blinken's trip aligns with the restart of discussions in Doha aimed at securing a cease-fire deal linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, there will be a vote at the U.N. on a U.S.-sponsored Security Council resolution calling for an "immediate cease-fire" in the Gaza conflict.
Opposition against Israel increases in US
In recent weeks, relations between the Biden administration and the Netanyahu government have strained, coinciding with mounting frustrations within the U.S. regarding the war.
Partisan divides in the U.S. Congress have become more apparent, with Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggesting an election in Israel and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressing plans to invite Netanyahu to address Congress.
At a press conference on Thursday, Blinken reiterated the U.S. position against a major military operation in Rafah, citing the potential humanitarian consequences for the million-plus Gazans forced to flee.
CIA director visits Israel, Qatar, Egypt
Meanwhile, CIA Director Bill Burns is anticipated to travel to Doha for talks with counterparts from Israel, Qatar, and Egypt as part of cease-fire negotiations. Blinken has cautiously expressed optimism about reaching an agreement but acknowledged existing challenges.
Blinken is once again expected to urge Israel to increase humanitarian assistance to reach those in need in the war-torn region.
In a Wednesday interview, Blinken called on Israel to expand access points to Gaza, as both U.S. officials and international aid workers emphasize the urgent need for a substantial influx of aid. Overland crossings are deemed the most effective way to deliver assistance, yet sustained efforts from the U.S. have not led to significant action from the Israeli government beyond the opening of one additional crossing.
Earlier this month, faced with Israeli government reluctance, the U.S. announced plans for airdrops and the military construction of a maritime pier to facilitate aid delivery.
Source: Newsroom
