Blinken Warns Israel and Hamas: A Critical Moment to End Gaza Conflict

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Israel to advocate for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, emphasized that ongoing negotiations might be “the best, maybe the last” chance to end the war. In a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Blinken described this period as a decisive moment, stressing the urgent need to secure the release of hostages, achieve a ceasefire, and pave the way for lasting peace and security.

Blinken, who was sent by President Joe Biden to finalize the agreement, underscored the importance of completing the deal and preventing any actions that might undermine the negotiations. He highlighted efforts to avoid escalation and prevent any provocations that could jeopardize reaching a settlement or exacerbate the conflict.

During his ninth visit to the Middle East since Hamas’s attack on October 7, Blinken plans to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later in the day. He warned of the dangers of increased regional tensions, particularly in light of threats from Iran and Hezbollah in response to recent events.

Israeli President Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, expressed the urgency of securing the return of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 attack. Herzog underscored the humanitarian importance of bringing the hostages back as soon as possible, reinforcing the critical nature of achieving a resolution to the conflict.