Blinken Arrives in Israel for Gaza Ceasefire Talks.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv as part of his Middle Eastern tour aimed at increasing diplomatic pressure to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
During his trip to the region, Blinken will meet on Monday, August 19, with Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a senior U.S. State Department official said.
The Times of Israel notes that the meeting between Blinken and Netanyahu is expected at 11 a.m. Meetings with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and President Isaac Herzog are also planned.
After Israel, Blinken will head to Egypt.
A Biden administration official stated that negotiations on a truce agreement and the return of hostages held in Gaza are at a "turning point." He noted that Blinken will emphasize the importance of concluding this agreement for all parties.
"We believe this is a critical moment," the official said.
Mediating countries - Qatar, the United States, and Egypt - have still not reached an agreement after several months of negotiations.
Source: Ukrinform
Read also
- Ukrainian maritime drones shot down two Su-30s for the first time: Budanov revealed details of the historic operation
- Why Swedish Combat Boats 90 are Important for Ukraine: An Intelligence Explanation
- The US Appeals Court has blocked the decision to restore the operation of 'Voice of America'
- Frogs in Boiling Water: US Admiral Makes Disturbing Statement about War with China over Taiwan
- Two planes a day: Zelensky commented on the successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and readiness for a ceasefire
- Diplomat states that Russia is forming a strike force for an attack on the Baltic States and Poland
