Air raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv on Wednesday as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepared to conclude his visit. Smoke from what appeared to be an intercepted projectile was visible in the sky above his hotel.
During his visit, Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to pursue “enduring strategic success” following recent tactical victories against Hamas. He urged Israeli leaders to negotiate a deal to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages before departing for Saudi Arabia. This marks Blinken’s 11th trip to the region since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war.
Both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of hostages, while Hamas insists on a lasting ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.
The conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants breached Israel’s security fence, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals. In response, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have led to the deaths of over 42,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who do not distinguish between militants and civilians. The war has devastated large areas of Gaza, displacing about 90% of its 2.3 million residents.
A report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development suggests that Gaza’s economy could take 350 years to recover to its pre-war levels.