It's Blinken's fifth visit to the Mideast since the war in Gaza broke out on Oct. 7, when Hamas stormed into southern Israel. Blinken is seeking progress on a possible cease-fire deal that could free around 100 Israelis still being held hostage in Gaza. The Al-Amal Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis had been isolated for days by heavy fighting between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. Palestinians and rights groups say Israeli forces have recklessly endangered civilians by fighting near hospitals and raiding them. Palestinians have staged several attacks against Israeli security forces and civilians in the West Bank and Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7.

Source: ABC News February 05, 2024 18:01 UTC