Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will travel to Israel and other countries in the Middle East this Monday to Friday, the State Department announced, Anadolu Agency reports.
“Throughout the region, Secretary Blinken will discuss the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of all hostages and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people,” spokesman, Matthew Miller, said on Monday.
“He will continue discussions on post-conflict period planning and emphasize the need to chart a new path forward that enables Palestinians to rebuild their lives and realise their aspirations free from Hamas’s tyranny. He will underscore that additional food, medicine and other humanitarian aid must be delivered to civilians in Gaza,” said Miller.
Besides Israel, the statement did not specify which countries he would visit.
It said Blinken will also discuss the need to reach a diplomatic resolution to the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, a deal which fully implements UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line – the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon – to return to their homes.
“He will reaffirm the US commitment to work with partners across the region to de-escalate tensions and provide lasting stability,” Miller said.
Last week, President Joe Biden said he is sending Blinken to Israel and he is more “hopeful” about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip following the death of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar.
The White House has sought to reach a ceasefire deal for months, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to end Israel’s offensive on Gaza standing in the way.
Flouting a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group, Hamas, last year.
More than 42,600 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 99,800 injured, according to local health authorities.
The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water and medicine.
Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.
Last month, Israel stepped up its attacks on neighbouring Lebanon, despite warnings that doing so raises the risk of a larger regional war.
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