Blinken pushes for peace in Gaza and Lebanon as attacks continue

"Now is the time to turn those successes into an enduring strategic success. Get the hostages home and bring the war to an end with an understanding of what will follow," he said.

Blinken added that the upcoming developments in Gaza will be crucial and that clear and concrete plans are needed for the future of the coastal enclave, which would not be controlled by either Hamas or Israel.

"We have to end the war in a way that keeps Hamas out, makes sure that Israel doesn’t stay. And Israel does not want to stay," he said.

Blinken also stressed that Israel must do more to ensure adequate humanitarian supplies reach people living under dire conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, where Israel has ordered evacuations.

"There’s progress made, but more progress needs to be made," he said.

There are growing concerns among Palestinians that Israel aims to displace them from large swaths of Gaza to give Tel Aviv greater control over the territory, potentially allowing Jewish settlers to return after their 2005 withdrawal.

During his visit, Blinken reiterated that the US opposes any Israeli occupation of Gaza. He said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured him that Israel has no such plans, despite pressure from many within his party who are calling for the settlers' return.

"It’s been US policy; it will remain US policy. And it’s also, to the best of my understanding, the policy of the Israeli government. That’s what I heard from the Prime Minister, who is the authoritative word on this," Blinken said.

While in Israel, Blinken met with officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Afterward, the Secretary of State traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two discussed efforts to end the fighting in Gaza and Lebanon.

Heavy attacks continue

Meanwhile, despite US diplomatic efforts, heavy exchanges of fire continue between the Israeli military and fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

At noon local time on October 23, the Israeli military shelled the port city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The military stated that their target was Hezbollah’s command and control centers, including the headquarters of its southern front. Tyre Mayor Hassan Dabouq confirmed that historical landmarks in the city were not damaged.

Hezbollah militants responded by firing rockets at northern Israel. Smoke clouds hung over the city of Haifa, which resulted from the interception of Hezbollah rockets. According to Israel's emergency services, one person was seriously injured.

As of 11:00 p.m. on October 23 (local time), Hezbollah fighters had launched approximately 135 shells into Israel from Lebanon throughout the day.

Blinken's visit to the Middle East

On October 21, Antony Blinken embarked on an official visit to the Middle East following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israeli forces. The trip also represents the United States' latest significant peace effort ahead of the November 5 presidential election, which could alter Washington's policy.

The US is attempting to prevent the conflict from escalating further as Israel prepares to retaliate against Iran's October 1 missile attack. Blinken has emphasized that Israel’s response must not lead to a broader escalation.

Earlier, the Pentagon urged Israel to scale back the intensity and scope of its bombardment of Beirut, the Lebanese capital.

Nevertheless, on October 19, the IDF launched powerful strikes on southern Beirut. These attacks followed a reported drone strike on the summer residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.