Blinken in Israel for the Gaza truce

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will stay in Israel on 18 August as part of Washington's diplomatic efforts to push ahead to reach a Gaza ceasefire that would end fighting between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group declared terrorist organisations by the United States and the European Union.

This will be the 10th visit of the U.S. top diplomat to the region since the war began in Gaza in October 2023. Blinken's visit will take place just days after the US submitted proposals, which other mediators, Qatar and Egypt, believe will enable them to overcome differences between the parties.

American officials have voiced optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement, envisioning the release of hostages, but have added there is still work to be done.

In Israel, Blinken will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials.

Negotiations on reaching a ceasefire agreement are expected to continue next week in Cairo. They are being maintained at the time when fear has increased that tensions in the Middle East could escalate.

Iran has pledged to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Hamas' political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran on July 31st. Israel has not claimed responsibility for this murder.

Washington has repeatedly warned Iran not to attack Israel.

The Gaza War began on October 7 after Hamas attacked the south of Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping another 250.

The Israeli Army has responded to offensive in Gaza, which so far has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians -- mostly civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel has said it has eliminated 17,000 Hamas fighters. /rel