Blinken asserts that a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict could provide an opportunity for Hamas to reorganize.

Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has expressed his concern that a ceasefire in Gaza would give Hamas the opportunity to regroup and carry out more attacks. However, he also emphasized that Israel must do everything possible to prevent civilian casualties in the area. Blinken made these remarks after meeting with Arab leaders in Jordan who are calling for an immediate end to the fighting. These leaders have accused Israel of committing war crimes. Although the US supports Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, there are worries that the conflict could escalate and destabilize the Middle East. Blinken, who has been advocating for humanitarian pauses in the fighting instead of a ceasefire, acknowledged differences with Arab leaders but stressed the common goal of achieving lasting peace. The article also mentions that Israel initiated their bombing campaign in response to surprise attacks by Hamas that resulted in more than 1,400 deaths in Israel, with the majority of the kidnapped individuals still being held as hostages. The IDF has been focusing on the northern part of Gaza and has urged civilians to leave the area, but it is estimated that around 400,000 people remain. The UN has warned that no part of Gaza is safe. Blinken has called for increased aid to reach Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing, as the current supply is limited due to the siege imposed by Israel. In addition, Blinken met with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister to discuss the violence along Lebanon's border with Israel, where there have been frequent clashes. Blinken will also visit Turkey to speak with President Erdogan about the conflict, following Turkey's recall of its ambassador to Israel and suspension of contact with the Israeli Prime Minister in protest of the violence.