Blinken Arrives in Qatar to Continue Ceasefire Demands

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Qatar, marking the final stop of his regional tour as he seeks to persuade all parties to agree to the latest ceasefire agreement.

On Tuesday, Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing that Netanyahu has "reaffirmed his commitment" to the current proposal. This week's diplomatic tour also included stops in Egypt and Jordan. However, on Tuesday, Blinken indicated that the fate of the latest proposal depends on the leadership of Hamas in Gaza.

"I don’t think anyone besides the leadership of Hamas in Gaza can actually make decisions," Blinken said during a meeting with the families of American hostages held in Gaza, adding, "that’s what we’re waiting for." This trip marks Blinken's eighth since October 7.

Alongside calls for a ceasefire, Blinken announced the allocation of more than $400 million in new humanitarian aid, which he described as the most effective measure to counter humanitarian devastation in Gaza.