US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made his eleventh visit to the region since the start of the Gaza war amid threats of further escalation of Middle East conflict.
Blinken met and held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, his office confirmed. The US Secretary of State wants to push for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
Two weeks before the U.S. presidential election, U.S. officials recently expressed hope that Blinken’s visit would lead to progress in negotiations for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip — but a breakthrough was not expected. It remains unclear who will voice the radical Islamist Palestinian organization after the killing of Hamas leader Jahja Sinwar.
Onward journey to Jordan
Blinken wants to go to Jordan tomorrow. There, the secretary of state will discuss humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, a US official on Blingen’s flight said.
Blinken will also speak in Israel about Israel’s expected retaliation against Iran for the October 1 attack. A member of Blingen’s delegation said the US secretary of state wanted to advise against any move that could further escalate conflict in the region.
During his last visit to Israel in August, Blinken warned that this could be the “last chance” for a US-led ceasefire plan. US President Joe Biden saw renewed hope for a ceasefire after Israel killed Hamas leader Shinwar last week.
