US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel today for his scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu . This is Blinken 's third visit to Israel since the war in Gaza began on October 7 .
A lightning visit, in reality, which will last only four hours during which the US Secretary of State will meet the Israeli prime minister face to face . Blinken will then participate in a session of Israel's limited war cabinet.
Also scheduled are meetings with the head of state, Isaac Herzog, and with the leader of the centrist opposition, Yair Lapid .
The United States is insisting on a ''humanitarian pause'' in the fighting , which according to the US government could benefit contacts for the release of hostages. The United States also intends to discuss with Israeli leaders the vision for the future of Gaza once Hamas is defeated on the ground.
Meanwhile , Gaza City is surrounded with Israeli troops already inside some areas of the town . “We are at the height of the campaign,” Netanyahu said, speaking to the soldiers.
Since this morning , fierce fighting has been underway in the immediate vicinity of al-Quds hospital, where some people have been killed . Israeli forces bomb tall buildings in the vicinity of the hospital, located in the Tel el-Hawa neighborhood on the southern side of Gaza City. According to local sources, numerous displaced people who now fear for their lives have sought shelter inside the hospital.
(Unioneonline/vl)