U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking in Tel Aviv alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog, expressed optimism about the ongoing temporary truce between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Blinken emphasized the positive outcomes of the ceasefire, particularly highlighting the return of hostages to their families and the increased humanitarian aid reaching civilians in Gaza.
The truce, which began in response to an October 7th attack during which Hamas is reported to have killed 1,200 people and taken 240 hostages, has seen a significant number of these hostages returning home. Herzog noted that approximately 150 hostages still remained in Gaza.
Blinken’s comments came amidst a violent incident in Jerusalem, where two Palestinian attackers targeted a bus stop during rush hour, resulting in at least three deaths and eight injuries. Both Blinken and Herzog condemned the attack.
The ceasefire, which has been in effect for six days, was extended for an additional day to facilitate further negotiations. These discussions are centered around a potential exchange of hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners.
Blinken’s agenda in Israel included meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, members of Israel’s war cabinet, opposition leader Yair Lapid, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Minister Benny Gantz.
The ceasefire has provided a much-needed break from the intense conflict in Gaza, which has seen extensive bombing by Israel in retaliation to the October 7th attack. This has allowed humanitarian aid to reach the 2.3 million residents of the battered coastal territory.
During his third visit to the region since the attack, Blinken also planned to visit the occupied West Bank to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Additionally, discussions were expected on Israel’s potential military action in southern Gaza, with the U.S. urging Israel to minimize civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
Blinken expressed his eagerness for in-depth discussions with the Israeli government about the situation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities are determined to dismantle Hamas, which governs Gaza. The conflict in the region has resulted in over 15,000 casualties in Gaza, as reported by local health authorities.
