Diplomats and state officials are preparing to meet their Middle East counterparts this week as the Thursday ceasefire negotiation deadline nears.
Negotiators are rushing to tie up any loose ends before the final round of negotiations begins Thursday. If the deal succeeds, it could signal a drastic change in the Middle East, where tensions have been steadily rising.
Officials planning to visit the region include Secretary of State Antony Blinken, diplomat Brett McGurk, and CIA Director William Burns, according to Axios. Their meetings will depend on if expected retaliatory attacks come after recent events.
The IDF conducted an airstrike overnight that targeted a compound housing a mosque and school in Gaza. Reports differ over how many were injured and killed as a result: the IDF says three dozen, mostly militants, were killed; local officials say 100 Palestinians were killed. The U.S. is also expecting retaliation against Israel from Iran for the assassination of a top Hamas leader, and from Hezbollah for the assassination of a top commander.
Leaders traveling to the region this week are expected to discuss the security of the Egypt-Gaza border, reopening the Rafah border crossing, and preventing weapons smuggling. These details will be critical to a successful hostage and ceasefire deal, according to the outlet.
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Securing a deal will go far with Biden’s legacy, and could help Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for the White House. On recent event stops, she’s been repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.
During an event in Michigan, Harris paused the rally and said, “You know what? If you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking.” After, pro-Palestinian groups criticized her for being too harsh.
