Updated 15.48 | Published 15.38
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full screen US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in Saudi Arabia and is met by Saudi Chief of Protocol Mohammed al-Ghamdi. Photo: Mark Schiefelbein/Pool Via AP/TT
Talks on several fronts on a ceasefire in Gaza and on the release of hostages appear to have stalled. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who landed in Saudi Arabia on Monday, hopes to break the deadlock between Israel and terror-labeled Hamas.
France’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné is already in the region to try to mediate a “humanitarian ceasefire”.
Representatives of Islamist Hamas say proposals are being considered, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a victory over Hamas would be a “deadly blow” to both Hamas and Iran-backed groups.
It is Blinken’s fifth tour of the conflict-ridden Middle East, but since his last visit, new battle zones have opened up with US and UK attacks against Iran-backed Islamist groups in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.
Ahead of the trip, Blinken said he will emphasize “the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.” He will also visit Qatar, Egypt and Israel.