US Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on his 11th Middle East trip to push for a Gaza ceasefire ahead of the US elections, seizing on a new opportunity after Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. President Joe Biden expressed optimism following the killing and urged for a ceasefire, with Blinken set to visit various countries in the region to discuss ending the Gaza war, securing hostage release, and seeking diplomatic resolutions in Lebanon. Blinken aims to encourage compromise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by hinting at potential normalization with Saudi Arabia, while facing calls to continue military operations in Gaza from Netanyahu’s right-wing base.
Full Article