U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate calls with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid over a ceasefire proposal amidst the ongoing conflict. These discussions reflect the United States’ diplomatic efforts to broker a cessation of hostilities and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region. Blinken’s engagement with key Israeli officials underscores the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution to the escalating violence and demonstrates the United States’ commitment to supporting peace and stability in the Middle East. The calls signal a continued push for dialogue and negotiation to address the root causes of the conflict and achieve a sustainable ceasefire agreement.
Israeli forces have raided Nablus city in the occupied West Bank, reportedly accompanying dozens of Israeli settlers to the shrine known as Joseph’s Tomb, the Wafa news agency reports.
Israeli snipers were stationed on top of buildings near the shrine as an Israeli military bulldozer dug up a nearby road to create a barrier, Wafa reported.
The raid comes after dozens of Israelis again stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam’s third-holiest site, last week.
Joseph’s Tomb, also known as Yusuf’s Tomb, is a significant site to followers of the Abrahamic faiths, including Christians, Jews, Muslims and Samaritans.
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