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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived on Wednesday in the Middle East, to strengthen endeavors for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, while Israeli forces continued their raid on the largest hospital in the territory.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken touched down Wednesday in the Middle East to bolster efforts for a truce in the war in Gaza, as Israeli forces pushed on with a raid on the territory's largest hospital.

Upon his arrival, the top US diplomat announced that during his current tour he would “discuss governance in Gaza after the war.”

Global concern has mounted over the military conflict now in its sixth month, in which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas in response to a deadly attack by its fighters on October 7.

The dire plight of Palestinians and the fate of Israeli hostages held in Gaza have pushed negotiators back to the table in Qatar to try to thrash out a truce deal, but officials have so far reported little progress.

The United States, long Israel's top ally, has also ratcheted up its diplomatic efforts and increasingly voiced concern over humanitarian issues.

US Secretary of State Blinken, who began his regional tour with meetings in regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia, has warned that Gaza's "entire population" is suffering "severe levels of acute food insecurity".

Washington wants Israel to hold back from a full-scale ground assault, citing concern for civilians, but Netanyahu has repeatedly said it was the only way to eradicate Hamas.

On Thursday, Blinken is due to visit Egypt, the main entry point for aid deliveries to Gaza and a key mediator in truce efforts.

Blinken is also due in Israel on Friday, where he will meet with leaders to discuss the release of hostages, humanitarian aid and a planned Israeli assault on Rafah, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.


“We are still pressuring Israel to open the land crossings,” Blinken told Al-Hadath, adding that “work on the sea bridge to Gaza will begin in two weeks.”

He was quoted by Al-Hadath saying they are “close to reaching a truce agreement in Gaza,” adding that they “presented alternatives to Israel’s operation in Rafah,” which would be discussed with the Israelis “in Washington next week.”

Mediators met for a third day in Qatar in a renewed effort to secure a ceasefire, but there was little indication of an imminent agreement.

A source with knowledge of the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because of their sensitivity, told AFP talks between technical teams in Doha "are ongoing".

But a senior Hamas official based in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, said Israel's response to the group's latest proposal was "largely negative... and constitutes a step backwards".

The plan would temporarily halt the fighting as hostages are exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of relief supplies is stepped up.

The war has meanwhile ground on unabated, with Israel saying its forces had "killed approximately 90 terrorists" around Al-Shifa hospital during the days-long assault.

 

with AFP