The United States’ chief diplomat, Secretary of state, Antony Blinken is visiting Israel on Friday in another high-stakes attempt to secure a cease-fire between Israel and the militant group Hamas as the united nation’s security council prepares to vote on a draft resolution by the United States calling for an “immediate” truce.
According to a statement released by the department, Blinken is expected to discuss the need to ensure the defeat of Hamas, including in Rafah, in a way that protects the civilian population, does not hinder the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and advances Israel’s overall security.
The United States has raised opposition to Israel’s plan to carry out a ground offensive in Rafah, located along the Gaza-Egypt border, which Israel says is necessary to achieve its goal of defeating Hamas and ensuring the US-designated terror group cannot carry out another attack like the October 7th, 2023 assault on Israel.
Israel and its most important ally, United States, are beginning to trade public jabs over the ongoing military campaign in Gaza with the US senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, calling for the ouster of the Israeli prime minister, a move that was heavily criticized by officials in Israel.
