US Secretary of State Blinken
Israel Hamas War: There was a four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which has been extended by two more days. Qatar and America have played a big role in this ceasefire. Amid hopes of extending this ceasefire for more than two days, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will once again visit Israel. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit West Asia again this week. This will be Blinken’s third visit to the region since the war between Israel and Hamas began last month.
Blinken will visit Israel and West Bank
Blinken will travel to Israel and the West Bank on Tuesday and Wednesday after attending Ukraine-focused meetings in Brussels, Brazil, and Skopje, North Macedonia. Israel and Hamas agreed on Monday to extend their ceasefire agreement by two more days, raising hopes of continuing an exchange of Palestinian prisoners held by militants and held in Israeli jails.
50 Israeli hostages have been released
Under the ceasefire agreement, 50 Israeli hostages and 19 hostages from other countries have been released. Apart from this, 117 Palestinians have been released from Israeli jails. Israel has said that the ceasefire period can be extended by one day for every additional 10 hostages released. Apart from the US and Egypt, Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, announced an agreement on an extension for two more days ‘under the same conditions’.
America expects further ceasefire
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby at the White House, the official residence and office of the US President, said on Monday that the US hopes that the ceasefire will be extended further, but it is dependent on Hamas releasing the hostages. . US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that Blinken would discuss Israel’s “right to defend itself in accordance with international humanitarian law” in Israel and the West Bank.
Efforts will be made to speed up aid for Gaza citizens
They will discuss continued efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages, protect civilian lives during Israel’s operations in Gaza, and accelerate humanitarian aid deliveries to civilians in Gaza.’ He said Blinken would also discuss principles for a post-conflict Gaza, as well as the need to establish an independent Palestinian state and prevent conflict from escalating. Blinken is also likely to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank.
Blinken and other US officials believe the Palestinian Authority should play a key role in governing Gaza after the conflict. Blinken will travel to the United Arab Emirates for discussions with regional leaders from Israel and the West Bank. Regional leaders will gather in Dubai to attend the COP28 climate summit.
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