U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv with a busy agenda of developments to conduct talks with leaders. The U.S. Secretary landed at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport while hundreds protested by blocking roads in front of the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas since October 7.
Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss Egypt's proposal regarding a ceasefire in Gaza before sending a delegation to Cairo for talks. This meeting comes as Washington reaffirmed its commitment to reaching an immediate ceasefire agreement that guarantees the release of hostages and allows for further steps to increase aid.
Simultaneously, the United States announced that it had not seen a credible Israeli plan for a military operation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza that would address its concerns, a contentious point that has been lingering between the allies for weeks. Prime Minister Netanyahu had previously announced on Tuesday that he would proceed with the operation despite international concerns about the fate of over a million Palestinians who have fled to the city.
Additionally, Blinken, as the chief American diplomat, will need to discuss aid with the Israeli government on Wednesday, especially after it was announced that the seaport off Gaza would be ready within a week. He declared that not only food but also medicine and other vital supplies must reach the residents of Gaza.
