Blinken's 11th visit to Middle East aims for ceasefire amid intensifying conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on his 11th visit to the Middle East to facilitate a ceasefire among Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby noted that Blinken is developing a plan to address the Gaza conflict, although a final decision on security arrangements in the region has not yet been made, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media sources.

In addition, U.S. Special Envoy for Lebanon Amos Hochstein is also in the region following Israel's extensive shelling of Lebanon on October 19 and 20. Hochstein met with Lebanon's parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, to discuss solutions to the ongoing crisis.

Experts suggest that President Joe Biden’s decision to send Hochstein indicates a push for an early ceasefire in Lebanon, while Iran is exploring ways to de-escalate tensions to maintain its military presence in the area.

The U.S. government believes that Israel’s potential elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar could advance peace negotiations, despite Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intention to continue the conflict.

An Israeli official mentioned that Israel is prepared for a comprehensive deal that would stabilize southern Lebanon, release Hamas hostages in Gaza, and allow humanitarian aid into the region. Israeli officials have called for adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by Lebanese authorities and have urged UN peacekeepers to provide more credible reports on militant violations.

On October 21, Iran lodged complaints with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the UN Security Council regarding Israeli threats to its nuclear facilities.

On September 23, the Israeli Defence Forces announced the initiation of Operation Arrows of the North, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure in southern Lebanon, which had supported Hamas through shelling northern Israel.

On the night of October 1, Iran launched a barrage of missiles on Israel.

This missile strike from Iran, involving hundreds of ballistic missiles, was described by Tehran as a response to the assassinations of Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. 

Subsequently, Israel kicked off the ground operation in southern Lebanon.

By Tamilla Hasanova