Blinken’s Tense Middle East Trip Faces Hamas Resistance

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to mediate a Gaza ceasefire but faced immediate challenges from Hamas, which accused Israel of undermining his efforts. The talks, involving multiple mediating nations, are crucial as violence continues, with significant Palestinian civilian casualties reported.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday to push for a Gaza ceasefire, but his mission faced immediate resistance when Hamas accused Israel of undermining the efforts. The Palestinian militant group held Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for hampering mediation and exposing hostages to violence.

This marks Blinken's 10th visit to the region since the conflict erupted in October. He is scheduled to meet with senior Israeli leaders on Monday. Blinken's next stop will be Egypt, a key player in the ongoing negotiations.

The efforts to secure a truce and free hostages in Gaza are at a crucial juncture, according to a senior Biden administration official. Despite months of mediation involving Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, substantial differences remain, and violence in Gaza continues to surge. Palestinian health authorities reported over 21 deaths from Israeli strikes on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies.)