US Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces demands for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his Middle East visit, with ongoing talks about a pause in fighting. Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejects a “temporary truce” unless Hamas releases the approximately 240 hostages. Blinken warns that failure to address humanitarian conditions could jeopardize future peace prospects. Despite expressing solidarity with Israel’s right to defend itself, Blinken urges a pause for aid delivery. Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leader suggests potential escalation, and the US deploys MQ-9 drones to locate hostages in Gaza. The conflict’s toll now exceeds 9,220 lives lost.
US-Israel Discord over Gaza Ceasefire as Death Toll Surpasses 9,220
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