Blinken Plans to Keep Working on Ceasefire in Saudi Arabia

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to Saudi Arabia next week to discuss ongoing efforts for a negotiated ceasefire in Gaza and the release of remaining hostages.

Israel is preparing for a major offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah to root out the last remaining Hamas battalions hiding among civilians.

Hamas still holds 133 hostages out of the 253 captured in the October 7 assault.

Blinken will address the increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza and stress the need for sustained support. He will also discuss preventing further conflict and advancing peace efforts in the region, including working towards an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel, as stated in a statement from his office.

Some Hamas officials have expressed willingness to disarm in exchange for a Palestinian state, while PM Netanyahu’s administration aims to eliminate Hamas and opposes a Palestinian state on 1967 lands.

Blinken will also meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council to address regional security issues, as well as coordinate a meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development to discuss climate change and the global energy transition.