The United State government wants Israel to put an end to the ongoing war in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, “now is the time” to end the conflict in Gaza. He urged Israel to avoid escalating tensions with Iran.
Israel is currently combating against Iran-backed Hamas in Gaza, and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has vowed to retaliate for Iran’s missile strike on October 1.
In Lebanon, state media reported an Israeli drone strike on Tyre. The military had warned residents to evacuate parts of the city before the strike. This led to a new exodus from Tyre, a city once bustling with life. AFPTV footage showed thick black smoke rising after the attack.
Mortada Mhanna, head of Tyre’s disaster management unit, said, “The situation is very bad, we’re evacuating people.” Bilal Kashmar, the unit’s media officer, added, “You could say that the entire city of Tyre is being evacuated.”
Blinken’s visit marks his 11th since the Gaza war began and his first since the Israel-Hezbollah conflict escalated to full-scale war last month.
War toll and diplomatic efforts
The Gaza war began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel’s response has resulted in 42,718 deaths in Gaza, also predominantly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
“Since October 7, Israel has achieved most of its strategic objectives in Gaza,” Blinken noted. He emphasized that now is the time to convert these military successes into lasting peace.
On humanitarian aid to Gaza, Blinken acknowledged “progress being made,” but stressed that more sustained efforts are needed. He commented on Israel’s retaliatory plans, saying, “It’s also very important that Israel respond in ways that do not create greater escalation.”
After Israel, Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia, which has paused normalization talks with Israel until a Palestinian state is established. He described this as an “incredible opportunity” for Israel.
Hostage crisis, even a US calls on Israel
Past US calls on Israel to halt the Gaza war have failed. Blinken urged Israel to capitalize on the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7 attack.
During their meeting, Netanyahu noted that Sinwar’s death “could have a positive impact on the return of the hostages.” Currently, 97 hostages remain in Gaza, with 34 reported dead.
Blinken also stressed on more aid into Gaza, where many civilians are trapped. He warned that the only functioning medical facility in northern Gaza lacks essential supplies. Hossam Abu Safia, the hospital’s director, lamented, “People are being killed in the streets, and we can’t help them.”
Focus on Lebanon and Hezbollah
Israel shifted its focus to Lebanon in late September, aiming to secure its northern border against Hezbollah. Airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds have increased, and ground troops have been deployed.
The war in Lebanon has claimed at least 1,552 lives since September 23, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Hezbollah continues to launch attacks, including firing rockets at an Israeli military base near Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military also targeted a Hezbollah cleric believed to be a successor to the group’s slain leader. Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi stated, “We have reached Nasrallah, his replacement, and most of Hezbollah’s senior leadership.”
On Tuesday, Israel conducted strikes in southern Beirut, urging residents to evacuate.
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