Blinken ends mideast trip without Hamas-Israel deal

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his ninth visit to the Middle East without securing a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The conflict, which started on October 7th, has seen Hamas reject the latest peace proposal backed by both the USA and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Hamas deeming it too divergent from a previously discussed deal. During his time in the region, Blinken, who had previously referred to this mission as possibly the ‘last chance’ for peace, visited both Egypt and Qatar, the latter of which remains committed to aiding a ceasefire deal. The war has resulted in about 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Israel, and over 40,000 in Gaza, as per tallies in the Hamas-controlled area. Moreover, more than 100 hostages taken by Hamas during the October incursion are yet to be released, with Israel confirming the death of six in captivity.