In a joint statement on Monday, US President Joe Biden, along with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Italy, called on Iran to end its threats of continued military action against Israel.

Washington: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Israel today, August 17, to secure a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas as well as launch efforts aimed at freeing hostages in Gaza. During his visit, Blinken will stress the critical importance of all parties in the region avoiding further escalation.

The US State Department's principal deputy spokesman, Vedant Patel, said in a press statement Friday, “Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken will visit Israel on August 17 and continue intensive diplomatic efforts to finalize an agreement for a ceasefire. hostages and detainees through a bridging proposal presented today by the United States with the support of Egypt and Qatar.

It also guarantees the delivery of humanitarian aid across Gaza, proposed with the support of Egypt and Qatar. “This proposal will achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages, deliver humanitarian aid throughout Gaza and create the conditions for broader regional stability,” the statement said. “Secretary Blinken will underscore the critical need to avoid any actions that could undermine the ability of all parties in the region to enhance or finalize the agreement,” it added.

In a joint statement on Monday, US President Joe Biden, along with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany and Italy, called on Iran to end its threats of continued military action against Israel.

“We called on Iran to stop its continued threats of military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security in the event of such an attack,” the joint statement said. “We expressed our full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. We have endorsed the joint call by President Biden, President Sisi of Egypt and Emir Tamim of Qatar to renew talks this weekend and stress that there is no more time to lose, with the aim of completing this agreement as soon as possible. The statement read.

“All parties must fulfill their responsibilities. In addition, seamless delivery and distribution of aid is essential. We express our support for Israel's defense against Iranian aggression and attacks by Iranian-backed terrorist groups,” it added.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after a Hamas attack on October 7, during which approximately 2,500 militants from the Gaza Strip crossed the border into Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel has described its military operations in Gaza as targeting Hamas infrastructure, aiming to destroy the terror group as a whole while trying to minimize civilian casualties.

(with ANI input)