2024-02-04 11:15:02
Anthony Blinken (Photo: Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is expected to leave today (Sunday) for another four-day trip throughout the Middle East, amid reports of a kidnapping deal that is taking shape and awaiting approval from the terrorist organization Hamas.
Blinken is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the West Bank and is expected to talk with the various parties about the war in Israel, but the main goal is to advance the deal that is being formed to release the kidnapped in exchange for a cessation of hostilities.
A spokesman for the State Department said that “he will continue to work to prevent the spread of the conflict, while confirming that the US will take appropriate steps to protect its people and the right to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.”
In the message, the spokesman added that the secretary “will continue discussions with partners on how to establish a more integrated and peaceful region that includes ongoing security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
So far, Blinken’s trips to the region have been characterized by exerting heavy pressure on the Israeli government on a variety of issues, but mainly regarding the introduction of humanitarian aid to the Strip and increased caution against harming civilians.
This time it seems that the meeting will focus on the deal in question, against the background of the Prime Minister’s statements that he will not agree to the outline under which thousands of terrorists will be released or the fighting in Gaza will stop.
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