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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Initiates Middle East Tour to Push for Gaza Ceasefire
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken launches Middle East tour to push for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza conflict.
ND
by News Desk
2024-06-10
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Initiates Middle East Tour to Push for Gaza Ceasefire

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is embarking on a diplomatic mission to the Middle East aimed at promoting a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. His eighth tour of the region in as many months will see him visiting Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Qatar.

 

Blinken seeks to garner support for the latest ceasefire proposal put forth by President Joe Biden ten days ago, with hopes of presenting it for a vote at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). However, neither Israel nor Hamas has fully endorsed the plan, resulting in continued fighting, including recent air raids in Gaza.

 

During his visit to Cairo, Blinken plans to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi before heading to Israel for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Among the topics on the agenda is the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, critical for aid shipments into Gaza.

 

Biden's proposal, outlined on May 31, outlines a three-phase plan for achieving a ceasefire, which includes the exchange of prisoners, withdrawal of Israeli forces, return of displaced Palestinians, and reconstruction efforts. Despite ongoing negotiations, Hamas has urged the US to pressure Israel to end the conflict.

 

As Blinken works on multiple drafts of a UNSC resolution to support the ceasefire proposal, differences remain from previous versions. Notably, the latest draft explicitly states Israel's acceptance of the ceasefire and includes provisions for its continuation as long as negotiations persist.

 

Blinken's trip follows recent violence in Gaza, where the Israeli military conducted a deadly raid resulting in casualties on both sides. Tensions remain high as border fighting escalates between Israel and Hezbollah, further complicating efforts for peace in the region.
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