Blinken heads to Middle East for 11th time since Gaza war began

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to the Middle East, making his 11th trip to the region since the Gaza war erupted last year and as Israel steps up attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The US State Department said Mr Blinken will depart on Monday for a week-long trip to Israel and a number of Arab countries, on a visit that also comes as Israel weighs its retaliation against Iran for ballistic missile attacks earlier this month.

The trip had been expected after President Joe Biden said last week he would dispatch Mr Blinken to the region following Israel’s killing of Hamas military chief Yahya Sinwar, a move that some believe could open a window for new talks on a ceasefire proposal that has been languishing for months.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said: “Throughout the region, Secretary Blinken will discuss the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of all hostages, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.

“He will continue discussions on post-conflict period planning and emphasize the need to chart a new path forward that enables Palestinians to rebuild their lives and realize their aspirations free from Hamas’ tyranny.”

He said Mr Blinken would also underline the need for a dramatic increase in the amount of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza, something that Mr Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin made clear in a letter to Israeli officials last week.

That letter reminded Israel that the Biden administration could be forced by US law to curtail some forms of military aid should the delivery of humanitarian assistance continue to be hindered.

In addition to the conflict in Gaza, Mr Blinken will also raise the importance the administration places on reaching a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and elsewhere.

“He will reaffirm the US commitment to work with partners across the region to de-escalate tensions and provide lasting stability,” Mr Miller added.

Since the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7 2023 and the Israeli response, Mr Blinken has travelled to the Middle East 10 times seeking an end to the crisis.

His previous trips have yielded little in the way of ending hostilities but he has managed to increase aid deliveries to Gaza in the past.