Blinken returning to Israel amid hopes for cease-fire extension

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to return to Israel this week amid hopes for an extended cease-fire.

The trip will mark his third visit to the region since the war between Israel and the militant group Hamas broke out last month.

During the visit, Blinken will “discuss Israel’s right to defend itself consistent with international humanitarian law, as well as continued efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages, protect civilian life during Israel’s operations in Gaza, and accelerate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza,” the State Department said in a statement.

He is also expected to discuss the future of a Palestinian state in post-conflict Gaza and preventing a wider escalation of the conflict, the department added.

Blinken’s visit comes as the first extension of a temporary truce between the groups is set to expire. Israel and Hamas agreed to extend the pause in fighting in Gaza for an additional two days Monday to facilitate the release of additional hostages and prisoners.

Under the initial four-day cease-fire, which was set to expire Monday, Hamas released four rounds of hostages, mostly women and children taken during the group’s Oct. 7 surprise assault in southern Israel.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the extended truce is expected to see the release of 20 more hostages, who will also be women and children.

Kirby added the negotiating parties will work toward extending the pause again, but the U.S. is focused on one piece “at a time,” and such extension is dependent on Hamas continuing to release hostages.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel agreed to the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of aid to Gaza, which has mostly been under siege since the start of the war last month. The Palestinian prisoners released were mostly teenagers accused of throwing stones or firebombs in conflict with Israeli forces, or other less serious offenses.

While Israel has agreed to these temporary cease-fires, it has reiterated its determination to eliminate Hamas and its military capabilities. Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has killed more than 13,000 people since Oct. 7, according to the Hamas-ruled health ministry in the region.

The surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, which sparked the war, resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 Israelis, and more than 200 hostages were taken.

Before heading to Israel, Blinken will meet with the NATO-Ukraine Council’s foreign ministers in Belgium on Tuesday and then travel to North Macedonia on Wednesday to meet with counterparts from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 

From Israel and the West Bank, Blinken will head to the United Arab Emirates to meet with regional leaders at the United Nations Climate Conference, COP28, to discuss the climate crisis along with other regional issues like the Israel-Hamas war.

The Associated Press contributed.