US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, currently on a visit to Israel, issued a stern warning today, stating that the current moment may represent the “last” opportunity to secure a truce between Israel and Hamas, bringing an end to the more than ten-month-long conflict in the Gaza Strip.
“This is a decisive moment, perhaps the best, perhaps the last chance for the hostages to return to their homes, for a ceasefire to be reached, and for the entire world to embark on a path toward lasting peace and security,” Blinken emphasized during his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv.
In his ninth visit to the region since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, Blinken stressed the importance of avoiding any actions that could derail the ongoing efforts. “The time has also come to ensure that no one does anything that could disrupt this process,” he added.
“We are working to ensure that there is no escalation, provocation, or any action that could divert us from this agreement or expand the conflict into other areas,” Blinken continued.
Later in the day, Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
President Herzog, whose role is largely ceremonial, reiterated the Israeli desire for the swift return of the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, who remain in Gaza. “There is no more important humanitarian cause than the return of our hostages,” he underscored.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
