The United States and its Group of Seven allies are actively pursuing an expeditious resolution to the military stage of the Gaza conflict.
Prior to his departure for Israel, Blinken was in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on Monday for discussions on Gaza with the objective of launching coordinated peace efforts.
On Sunday, he commenced a diplomatic mission in Jordan and Qatar for five days, marking his fourth visit to the Middle East since October 7.
German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock visited Israel, and EU top diplomat Josep Borrell was in Lebanon.
As Italy began its one-year presidency of the Group of Seven, Italian Foreign Ministry minister Antonio Tajani stated, “G7 countries are collaborating with the Israeli government to swiftly transition out of the military phase.”
Security sources reported that an Israeli strike in south Lebanon on Monday killed a senior commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force.
Baerbock informed Israel of its responsibility to safeguard Palestinians in the West Bank after Blinken’s Sunday declaration of a broader concern in Doha.
Blinken stated, “This is a conflict that could easily metastasize,” before departing for Abu Dhabi.
