US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for de-escalation in Gaza and urged Israel to avoid further tensions with Iran during his visit to the Middle East on Wednesday. Blinken’s visit, his 11th since the war began, came as Israel faces multiple fronts, battling Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. The US diplomat urged Israel to seize the opportunity for progress towards lasting peace, especially following the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
In Lebanon, Israeli drone strikes targeted Hezbollah positions in Tyre, triggering mass evacuations. Blinken stressed that Israel should respond in ways that do not provoke further regional conflict, even as Israel pledged to retaliate against Iran’s October 1 missile strike.
The Secretary of State also called for more humanitarian aid to reach civilians trapped in Gaza and for Israel to capitalize on Sinwar’s death to secure a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages still held by Hamas. As the conflict continues, the Biden administration is working towards reducing regional escalation, while talks with Saudi Arabia remain on hold pending progress on the Palestinian issue.
