Sirens sound across Tel Aviv as projectiles intercepted near Blinken’s hotel.

 

TEL AVIV, Israel — On Wednesday, air raid sirens blared across Tel Aviv as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepared to wrap up his visit. Smoke from an intercepted projectile was visible above the hotel where Blinken was staying, shortly before his departure for Saudi Arabia.

Blinken's visit comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where he urged Israel to build on its recent military gains against Hamas to pursue a deal that could end the war and secure the release of dozens of hostages. However, both sides remain entrenched. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas and rescue the captives, while Hamas has insisted on a cease-fire, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.

Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, breaching the border, killing 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and abducting around 250. Israel's military response has resulted in the deaths of over 42,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and displaced 90% of the region’s 2.3 million residents.

During Blinken’s visit, Israeli forces continued airstrikes across Gaza and Lebanon, targeting suspected Hezbollah assets in Tyre, with no immediate reports of casualties. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened. The World Health Organization (WHO) postponed the third phase of a polio vaccine campaign due to the danger posed by the conflict.

Blinken will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of ongoing U.S. efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and work toward a post-war plan for Palestinians. The U.S. remains focused on advancing ceasefire discussions, though a breakthrough has not yet been achieved.