Antony Blinken's Diplomatic Push Amid Gaza Conflict Intensifies

Israeli strikes killed 19 people in Gaza, including six children, ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to the region to push ceasefire talks. Diplomatic efforts involving the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are intensifying to halt the Israel-Hamas conflict and secure a deal to return hostages held in Gaza.

Israeli strikes killed 19 people in Gaza on Sunday, including six children, Palestinian health authorities said, ahead of a visit to the region by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to push forward ceasefire talks.

The children and their mother were among those killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in the central town of Deir Al-Balah, health officials reported. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident but claimed it had destroyed rocket launchers used to launch attacks on Israel from Khan Younis and killed 20 Palestinian fighters.

Diplomatic efforts to halt the Israel-Hamas conflict and secure a deal to return hostages held in Gaza have intensified, with ongoing talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar this week in Cairo. These negotiations follow a recent two-day meeting in Doha. Blinken is making his 10th trip to the region since the war began, with bridging proposals believed to narrow gaps between the warring parties.

Fears of regional escalation have increased urgency for a ceasefire deal. Iran has threatened retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Amid ongoing conflict, Gazans live in constant desperation, with many displaced and living in dire conditions. On Friday, the military ordered further evacuations, reducing the humanitarian safe zone in Gaza to about 11% of the total area.

In Israel, Blinken is set to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other officials to discuss the ceasefire. Netanyahu's office expressed cautious optimism, while Hamas accused Israel of setting new conditions to disrupt negotiations. Hamas seeks a ceasefire to end the war, whereas Israel prefers a temporary pause with the option of resuming attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)