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Blinken Pushes Israel to Use Sinwar’s Death as Opportunity for Long-term Gaza Ceasefire

ByRadarze
Blinken Pushes Israel to Use Sinwar’s Death as Opportunity for Long-term Gaza Ceasefire
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US Sec. of State Antony Blinken in Jerusalem on Tuesday.

During his latest diplomatic visit to Jerusalem, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to use the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as a crucial moment to secure both the release of hostages and a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Blinken’s visit, his eleventh since the escalation of violence began on October 7, 2023, emphasized the importance of seizing this moment for sustainable peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.

According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken stressed that Israel’s action in neutralizing Sinwar should now lead to meaningful steps toward ending the conflict, including the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Secretary also discussed the need to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, particularly to civilians trapped in hard-hit areas. This pressure aligns with previous U.S. threats to withhold aid unless there was significant progress in delivering assistance to the Gaza Strip.

Blinken also reiterated the importance of a post-conflict strategy that allows Palestinians to rebuild their lives, supporting governance and reconstruction efforts in Gaza. This pathway, he argued, is essential to ensuring long-term stability in the region.

Additionally, discussions covered broader regional concerns, including the situation in Lebanon, where tensions remain high. Blinken highlighted the need for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah and a diplomatic resolution along the Blue Line. He also reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and the deterrence of further aggression from Iran and its proxies.

Blinken’s trip to Israel is part of a larger regional tour aimed at brokering a ceasefire and addressing escalating tensions with Lebanon and Iran, following recent missile attacks. The focus remains on achieving lasting peace, while simultaneously addressing urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.