Blinken Urges Ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon

During his latest visit to the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to seize the opportunity following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. In meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken pressed for efforts to halt the ongoing war with Hamas.

However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed Blinken that military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue until Hezbollah forces withdrew from southern Lebanon and Israeli northern communities could safely return to their homes.