Blinken's Diplomatic Mission: Ceasefire Efforts in Middle East Conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting the Middle East to advocate for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza war, which involves Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. The trip highlights efforts to end regional hostilities, including talks in Lebanon and a focus on post-conflict strategies for the Palestinian enclave.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to make another diplomatic push for a ceasefire in the Middle East as he travels to the region on Monday, according to the State Department. This visit aims to restart negotiations to resolve the Gaza war and address the spillover conflict in Lebanon.

Blinken's trip marks his 11th visit since the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war. Israel has escalated its military campaign against both Hamas in Gaza and the Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, following recent assassinations of key leaders from both militant groups.

U.S. Envoy Amos Hochstein met with Lebanese officials to discuss conditions for a ceasefire, emphasizing that more efforts are needed beyond U.N. resolution 1701. Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has called for an immediate ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories.

(With inputs from agencies.)