Blinken heading to Israel, other countries in Middle East this week: State Department

WASHINGTON

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel and other countries in the Middle East this Monday to Friday, the State Department announced.

"Throughout the region, Secretary Blinken will discuss the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of all hostages, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people," spokesman Matthew Miller said on Monday.

"He will continue discussions on post-conflict period planning and emphasize the need to chart a new path forward that enables Palestinians to rebuild their lives and realize their aspirations free from Hamas’s tyranny. He will underscore that additional food, medicine, and other humanitarian aid must be delivered to civilians in Gaza," said Miller.

Besides Israel, the statement did not specify which countries he would visit.

It said Blinken will also discuss the need to reach a diplomatic resolution to the conflict between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah, a deal which fully implements UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and allows civilians on both sides of the Blue Line – the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon – to return to their homes.

"He will reaffirm the U.S. commitment to work with partners across the region to de-escalate tensions and provide lasting stability," Miller said.

Last week, President Joe Biden said he is sending Blinken to Israel and he is more "hopeful" about a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The White House has sought to reach a cease-fire deal for months, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's refusal to end Israel's offensive on Gaza standing in the way.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has continued its brutal offensive on Gaza following a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas last year.

More than 42,600 people have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 99,800 injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of Gaza amid an ongoing blockade that has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

Last month Israel stepped up its attacks on neighboring Lebanon, despite warnings that doing so raises the risk of a larger regional war.