US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to return to Israel on Friday as part of a diplomatic push to achieve a sustained and immediate ceasefire in Gaza and prevent an Israeli offensive into Rafah. Blinken's visit will include meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war cabinet.
Simultaneously, talks in Doha are underway to negotiate a ceasefire agreement linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, a US-sponsored Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict is up for a vote at the UN.
Blinken's discussions are anticipated to be tense, particularly in light of Netanyahu's declaration of a potential military incursion into Rafah, prompting over a million people to evacuate the area. Blinken reiterated the US stance against a major military operation in Rafah, emphasizing that it is not supported.
The primary focus of Blinken's meetings will be to urge Israel to provide more humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for assistance to reach those affected by the conflict.
