US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that "now is the time" to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, urging Israel to avoid further escalation with Iran.
This comes as Israel continues its military operations against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, following a missile strike from Iran on October 1.
In Lebanon, an Israeli drone strike targeted Tyre, prompting a mass evacuation from the city, which was once vibrant along the Mediterranean coast. Local officials confirmed that residents were fleeing in response to the military's warning. "The situation is very bad; we're evacuating people," said Mortada Mhanna, head of Tyre's disaster management unit.
Blinken's visit marks his 11th since the war's outbreak, which began after Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli officials. The retaliatory Israeli offensive has claimed the lives of 42,718 in Gaza, also primarily civilians, according to figures from the health ministry.
During his visit, Blinken emphasized that Israel had achieved most of its strategic objectives in Gaza since October 7 and urged the need to transform these successes into sustainable peace. He acknowledged progress in delivering aid to Gaza but stressed the necessity for sustained efforts.
Regarding the missile strike from Iran, Blinken emphasized the importance of Israel responding in a manner that does not escalate tensions further. After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken also highlighted the need to capitalize on the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to facilitate a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
In Gaza, humanitarian concerns are growing, particularly for tens of thousands of civilians trapped in the fighting. The director of the Kamal Adwan Hospital reported a dire situation with no medical supplies, stating, "People are being killed in the streets, and we can't help them. Bodies are lying on the streets."
Meanwhile, Israel has ramped up its military focus on Hezbollah in Lebanon, conducting air strikes and ground operations aimed at securing its northern border. This conflict has led to at least 1,552 deaths in Lebanon since late September. Hezbollah has continued its attacks on Israel, targeting military sites in the region.
As tensions mount, Blinken is set to visit Saudi Arabia, where discussions about normalizing relations with Israel have been stalled until a Palestinian state is established. He urged Israel to seize the opportunity to move toward a deal with the kingdom.