US pushes for ceasefire in Gaza as Blinken visits Cairo, Israel and Qatar

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to arrive in Cairo on Monday, marking a crucial moment in US efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and prevent further regional escalation, particularly with Lebanon. The visit is part of Blinken's broader tour of the Middle East, which will also include stops in Israel, Jordan and Qatar.

On his eighth trip to the region since the Gaza conflict began on Oct. 7, Blinken aims to build on a three-phase ceasefire proposal put forward by President Joe Biden. The proposal seeks a permanent cessation of hostilities, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners and the overall reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by ongoing military actions.

The urgency of Blinken's mission is underscored by recent developments, including the dramatic rescue of four Israeli hostages by IDF forces in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of 274 Palestinians. This incident exacerbated tensions and highlighted the urgent need for a diplomatic solution.

Israeli politics further complicates the situation, with the resignation on Sunday of Benny Gantz, central figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency government. Gantz criticized Netanyahu for hindering progress toward a decisive victory and accused him of allowing politics to cloud strategic decisions. Gantz's departure removes a moderate element from the government, potentially leaving Netanyahu dependent on harder-line factions as the war continues.