Blinken visits Middle East for 11th time to discuss Gaza cease-fire, Lebanon
Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Annapolis, Maryland, last month (AFP Photo)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit the Middle East for the 11th time since Oct. 7, 2023, when Israel’s attacks on Gaza began.
According to U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken will depart on Monday with Israel as his first destination, although no specific details were given on the other countries he will visit during this trip.
Miller stated that the focus of Blinken’s talks will be on securing a cease-fire in Gaza and addressing the situation in Lebanon.
This visit comes after U.S. President Joe Biden commented on the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Oct. 18, saying, “It’s time for this war to end and for the hostages to come home,” while also announcing Blinken’s planned visit to Israel.
On Sept. 17, Blinken traveled to Egypt to assess the situation regarding a potential cease-fire in Gaza.
