US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Qatar from June 10 to 12, 2024 to discuss with partners the need to reach a ceasefire agreement that secures the release of all hostages.
Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson for the US Department of State, said Blinken will emphasise the importance of Hamas accepting the proposal on the table, which is nearly identical to one Hamas endorsed last month. The Secretary will discuss how the ceasefire proposal would benefit both Israelis and Palestinians.
Blinken will underscore that it would alleviate suffering in Gaza, enable a massive surge in humanitarian assistance, and allow Palestinians to return to their neighbourhoods.
It would unlock the possibility of achieving calm along Israel’s northern border – so both displaced Israeli and Lebanese families can return to their homes – and set the conditions for further integration between Israel and its Arab neighbours, strengthening Israel’s long-term security and improving stability across the region.
The Secretary will also continue reiterating the need to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
In Jordan, the Secretary will attend a conference on the urgent humanitarian response to Gaza, co-hosted by Jordan, Egypt, and the United Nations.
Jordan intercepts 4 Iranian missiles as US military ends five hours of attacks
Bangkok governor vows tighter regulations as pub fire death toll rises to 30
Lebanon, Israel hold US-brokered talks in Rome to implement framework deal
Israeli strikes in Gaza kills man, 10-year-old boy, medics say
France showcases 500 pro-Ukraine troops at Bastille Day
