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Blinken Announces $135 Million Aid, Urges Gaza Ceasefire in Doha Talks

Oct 24, 2024, 03:42 PM

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting the Middle East to push for a ceasefire in Gaza following Israel's killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Blinken met with the Emir of Qatar and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha to discuss efforts to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Negotiators from the U.S., Israel, Qatar, and Egypt are expected to meet in the coming days in Doha to resume talks on a ceasefire and hostage deal that has been stalled for two months. Blinken announced an additional $135 million in humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza and urged Israel to allow more aid into the territory. The head of Israel's Mossad, David Barnea, will travel to Doha on Sunday to meet with CIA Director Bill Burns and the Qatari Prime Minister to discuss restarting negotiations on the release of hostages and a ceasefire. Blinken stated that 'Israel has achieved important strategic objectives' and urged Israel to convert military successes into a strategic victory by pursuing a long-term solution to the conflict.