Directed by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken Monday to Israel and Arab countries in a new attempt to push for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.
Blinken's visit to the region comes days after the martyrdom of a leader Hamas movement Yahya Al-Sanwar When he was leading the fight against the Israeli occupation soldiers in Rafah In the south Gaza Strip.
The US State Department said that the tour is expected to continue until Friday, during which Blinken will discuss “the importance of ending the war in Gaza, securing the release of all hostages, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.”
But the White House noted that the tour is not expected to achieve a breakthrough. Spokesman John Kirby said in a statement to reporters, “I cannot say that negotiations will resume in Doha, Cairo, or anywhere else.”
Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel first, and then other countries in the Middle East.
While the State Department did not specify the additional stops, Blinken had previously visited Arab countries in previous tours, especially Qatar and Egypt, the main mediators in the negotiations regarding Gaza.
Visit No. 11
The statement explained that Blinken will also discuss the arrangements that will be made for the post-war period, which are considered crucial to reaching an agreement, and will seek a “diplomatic solution” in Lebanon, where Israel, which is absolutely supported by Washington, is engaged in an open confrontation with Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran.
This will be the eleventh visit by the US Secretary of State to the Middle East since the outbreak of war in the Gaza Strip more than a year ago.
The visit comes less than 3 weeks before the presidential elections in the United States.
During his last visit to Israel last August, Blinken warned that it might be the “last chance” for a ceasefire based on “the president’s proposal.” joe biden“.