US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Sunday as part of Washington’s escalating diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, aimed at ending the 10-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. This visit marks Blinken’s tenth trip to the region since the war erupted in October last year.
Bridging Proposals and Cautious Optimism
Recent US proposals, backed by mediators Qatar and Egypt, have brought renewed hope for a resolution. US officials are optimistic about closing the deal but acknowledge that more work is needed. A senior Biden administration official noted that the gaps between the warring parties have been largely bridged, making the deal ready to be finalized.
Regional Tensions and International Support
Blinken is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials during his visit. The talks come amid heightened tensions, with Iran threatening retaliation after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Washington has warned Iran against any retaliatory actions, citing potentially catastrophic consequences. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy have expressed support for the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, urging all parties to avoid further escalation.
Ground Reality and Humanitarian Crisis
Despite growing hopes for a ceasefire, the conflict continues to claim lives. On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza town of Zawayda killed at least 17 Palestinians and wounded dozens more, according to health officials. Israel issued new evacuation orders in response to Hamas rocket fire. The war, which began on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, has devastated Gaza and resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel claims to have eliminated 17,000 Hamas fighters during its military campaign.