As negotiations continue toward a cessation of fighting in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken departed on a visit to Qatar, Egypt, and Israel, where he acted as a mediator. The Israeli side, which aims to destroy the Islamic organization Hamas, has shown an uncompromising stance, while Hamas has expressed its intention to seek a permanent ceasefire, and it will be interesting to see if the negotiations can lead to progress.
At a cabinet meeting on the 4th, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed that many Hamas forces had been destroyed and emphasized his stance to continue the attack.
In the Gaza Strip, the death toll has so far reached 27,365.
Meanwhile, negotiations are underway between Israel and Hamas toward a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages, and on the 4th, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken held talks with Qatar, Egypt, and Israel, who are acting as mediators in the negotiations. In order to do so, I set off on a visit to the Middle East.
Regarding negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized his uncompromising stance at a Cabinet meeting on the 4th, while Hamas's top official Haniyeh has expressed his intention to seek a permanent ceasefire.
On the 4th, White House National Security Advisor Sullivan stated, ``At this point, I cannot say that we are at the point where negotiations will be concluded any time soon.''
Attention will be focused on whether Secretary Blinken will be able to make progress in negotiations through consultations with relevant countries and other parties.