US Secretary of State, Blinken, urges end to Gaza conflict, calls for restraint

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the need to end the conflict in Gaza, urging Israel to avoid escalating tensions with Iran.

Blinken’s remarks came during his 11th visit to the region since the war began.

Conflict Background

– Israel fights Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
– Israel pledged retaliation for Iran’s October 1 missile strike.
– War in Gaza started with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, killing 1,206 mostly civilians.
– Israel’s response killed 42,718 mostly civilians in Gaza.

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“Now is the time to turn successes into enduring strategic success,” Blinken said, emphasizing progress in aid to Gaza but stressing more sustained efforts.

The Israeli military issued an evacuation call for the city of Tyre, sparking a mass exodus.

“The entire city is being evacuated,” said Bilal Kashmar, Tyre’s disaster management unit media officer.

Blinken’s visit follows failed US efforts to secure a ceasefire. He will visit Saudi Arabia, which paused normalization talks with Israel until a Palestinian state is established.

“It’s very important Israel responds without creating greater escalation”, he stated.

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