ALBAWABA - Marking his fifth visit to the Middle East, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to visit Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. He is expected to meet with mediators to discuss a new truce deal in Gaza.
Blinekn urgently addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza, after aid groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm over the devastating impact on the besieged territory of nearly four months of war, AFP reported.
According to a Hamas source, the proposed truce would put an end to fighting for six weeks while Hamas releases hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Hamas has stated that no agreement has yet been reached, and some Israeli officials have expressed opposition to any perceived concessions.
Blinken's visit comes after Hamas leader visits Cairo, where he confirmed that Hamas is studying a three-phase truce proposal in Gaza, while hardline Israeli government members have threatened to dissolve the government coalition if the deal is not acceptable to them.
Ismail Haniyeh stated in a statement that Hamas is "open to discussing any serious and practical initiatives or ideas, provided that they lead to a comprehensive cessation of aggression".
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The latest statistics by the Ministry of Health in Gaza revealed that the death toll from Israeli brutal pounding on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has soared to 27,365 people, with more than 66,630 injuries.
Since then, approximately 85% of Gazans have been displaced, all of whom are suffering from severe food insecurity, and the healthcare system has collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people lack shelter, and aid trucks are entering the area at a lower rate than before the conflict began.
