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United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is extending his diplomatic mission in the Middle East through Friday to advocate for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to a statement by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller on Monday.
The Secretary of State is set to visit Israel and other regional nations, although the details of his itinerary have yet to be disclosed.
Blinken’s extended stay aims to foster discussions on “bringing the war in Gaza to an end,” and to address urgent humanitarian issues, including “securing the release of all hostages and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people,” Miller added.
The discussions come as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with food, water, and medical supplies running dangerously low amid continued hostilities.
A critical component of Blinken’s visit will also involve dialogue on post-conflict planning, emphasizing the need to assist Palestinians in rebuilding their communities and envisioning a future free from “Hamas’s tyranny,” as stated by Miller.
Blinken is expected to engage in high-level talks to outline measures for reconstructing the war-torn region and restoring civilian life, with a focus on facilitating international support and aid.
In addition to his work on the Gaza conflict, Blinken will address tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, particularly the ongoing skirmishes with Hezbollah.
He will advocate for a diplomatic resolution that fully enforces United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the cessation of hostilities and the disarmament of militant groups in southern Lebanon.
Miller noted that the Secretary of State will urge efforts to “allow civilians on both sides of the Blue Line to return to their homes.”
The US Secretary of State’s diplomatic push comes amid an international outcry over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where thousands have been displaced and hundreds killed in the recent escalation.
Blinken will highlight the immediate need for more humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to be delivered to Gaza’s civilian population.
During his trip, Blinken is also expected to meet with key allies in the region to reinforce the US commitment to stability and peace.
He will work on building a unified response to “de-escalate tensions” across the region, stressing the importance of preventing further violence and ensuring a sustainable path forward.
The latest developments follow Blinken’s recent diplomatic engagements, including meetings in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, where post-conflict planning for Gaza was a focal point.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts underscore the Biden administration’s broader Middle East strategy of addressing the root causes of the conflict and securing long-term peace.
As Blinken extends his stay in the Middle East, the US continues to face the challenge of balancing support for Israel’s security with the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis and push for diplomatic solutions in the broader region.