Intensifying Diplomacy: Blinken's Critical Middle East Mission

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to intensify diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza. This marks his 10th regional trip since the conflict began in October. Blinken aims to negotiate a truce amid escalating violence, with talks set to continue in Cairo this week.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday as part of a Middle East mission to ramp up diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza. On his 10th trip to the region since October, Blinken will meet with senior Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday, according to a senior State Department official.

Following his visit to Israel, Blinken will travel to Egypt. The discussions aim to secure a truce and the return of hostages held in Gaza, which a senior Biden administration official described as being at an 'inflection point'. Blinken is expected to emphasize the importance of finalizing the deal during his meetings.

Efforts to achieve a ceasefire have been ongoing, with mediating countries such as Qatar, the United States, and Egypt struggling to make progress amid continuous bloodshed in Gaza. On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed 21 people, including six children, according to Palestinian health authorities. Talks are slated to resume in Cairo this week, with Blinken pushing for a breakthrough after the U.S. proposed bridging solutions to close the gaps between the warring parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)