Secretary of State Antony Blinken was forced to seek shelter in Tel Aviv after rockets were fired by Hezbollah militants. Blinken, on his 11th visit to the region since the start of the war in Gaza, urged Israel to seek a deal to end the war and bring back hostages. Health officials in Gaza say almost 43,000 people have died since the war began in 2023. Israel has killed dozens of Hezbollah members in Lebanon, including top leaders. Blinken emphasized the need for both sides to move back from the border and create a peaceful environment. Hamas has said they will only release captives in return for a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Netanyahu has pledged to eradicate the militant group and recover hostages. Talks between the parties have broken down, and there is no indication of any willingness to change positions. Blinken warned that the failure to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza could lead to a reduction in U.S. military aid. He also stressed the importance of bringing the war to an end and getting the hostages home. Israel confirmed the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, which Blinken said was a significant step in realizing a hostage agreement. Large parts of Gaza have been destroyed in the conflict, and a majority of the population has been displaced.
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