U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on his eighth diplomatic mission to the Middle East amid ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict deliberations over a proposed ceasefire deal. The visit follows the recent rescue of four Israeli hostages from Gaza, which involved an Israeli military operation resulting in the deaths of 274 Palestinians as reported by the Gaza health ministry, although Israeli officials cited lower figures.

Blinken’s trip includes stops in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Qatar, where he is expected to meet officials, including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The agenda focuses on securing Hamas’ agreement to the U.S.-proposed three-phase ceasefire plan, which entails the release of additional hostages and a temporary halt in hostilities leading potentially to a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

Netanyahu has shown skepticism towards the ceasefire proposal, while his government faces internal discord, notably the recent resignation of Benny Gantz from the wartime cabinet over frustrations with Netanyahu’s strategy. Gantz’s resignation has exposed deeper political fractures and left Netanyahu reliant on his far-right coalition partners, who oppose a ceasefire without the complete destruction of Hamas.

Internationally, the U.S. has called for a United Nations Security Council vote supporting the ceasefire plan, which seeks to balance military and humanitarian needs in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with disrupted aid flows and widespread civilian suffering.

This visit underscores the complex diplomatic and political dynamics as the conflict continues to evoke significant global concern and efforts towards resolution.