U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Israel and the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah on Wednesday. However, significant Israeli airstrikes on the historic Lebanese port city of Tyre indicated that no pause in the conflict was forthcoming.

Israel commenced its bombardment of the UNESCO World Heritage site approximately three hours after issuing an online directive for residents to evacuate central areas. Dense clouds of smoke rose above residential neighborhoods.

In recent weeks, tens of thousands of individuals had already evacuated Tyre as Israel intensified its efforts to dismantle Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, both of which are closely aligned with Iran. The port city, usually a vibrant center for fishermen, tourists, and U.N. peacekeepers on leave from their missions near the border, has seen evacuation orders this week extend to large portions of the area, including proximity to its ancient castle.

Some Lebanese citizens are concerned that their nation may face a fate similar to that of Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and have devastated much of the territory. In Gaza, following the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar last week, Israel has escalated its military operations in the northern region, with health officials reporting at least 20 fatalities from recent strikes, predominantly in the north.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who has frequently visited the Middle East since the onset of the conflict, is embarking on his first trip since the killing of Sinwar, a key figure on Washington’s list of most-wanted individuals. The U.S. hopes that this development may serve as a catalyst for peace.

This visit represents the final significant U.S. diplomatic effort before the presidential election on November 5, which will see Vice President Kamala Harris face off against former President Donald Trump, a contest that could significantly alter U.S. policy in the region. Additionally, Washington aims to prevent the conflict from escalating further, particularly in light of anticipated Israeli responses to an Iranian missile strike on October 1, which was launched in support of Hezbollah and Hamas. Blinken emphasized that Israel’s retaliation should not result in a broader escalation.

After discussions with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken proceeded to Saudi Arabia to meet with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Although a planned visit to Jordan was postponed, he is expected to engage with other Arab leaders during a stop in London. In Lebanon, the Israeli military reported the elimination of three Hezbollah commanders and approximately 70 fighters in the southern region over the past two days, following the confirmation of the death of Hashem Safieddine, who was seen as the group’s potential successor. Blinken remarked that it is crucial for Israel to leverage its military achievements and transform them into a lasting strategic advantage.

The priority must be on securing the safe return of the hostages, bringing an end to the conflict, and establishing a comprehensive strategy for the future.

In the year following the violent incursions by Hamas-led fighters into Israeli communities, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 250 hostages, Israel has devastated the Gaza Strip in its efforts to eliminate Hamas, leading to the deaths of nearly 43,000 Palestinians. Recently, Israel targeted and killed Sinwar, who is believed to be the architect of the October 7, 2023 attacks.

In the last month, Israel has significantly intensified its military actions in Lebanon against Hezbollah, a distinct Iran-backed militant organization that has launched rockets into Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians. Israel has initiated a ground offensive and has conducted air strikes that have resulted in the deaths of most of Hezbollah’s leadership, displacing approximately 1.2 million people.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PEACE?

Washington perceives the death of Sinwar as an opportunity to advocate for peace, believing it may now be simpler for Netanyahu and his far-right administration to claim that significant objectives have been accomplished in Gaza. However, residents of Gaza report that following Sinwar’s death, Israel has escalated its attacks on northern regions, where it alleges Hamas fighters are reorganizing.

Hospitals have ceased operations and are running low on coffins and burial shrouds for the deceased. An emergency U.N.-supported polio vaccination initiative, which was launched after a Gaza infant was paralyzed by the disease for the first time in 25 years, has been suspended.

The Gaza health ministry issued a statement urging the international community, which has failed to provide adequate protection and resources for the population, to make efforts to send burial shrouds for the deceased.

Blinken mentioned that new strategies are being explored to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza and to bring an end to the conflict. Nevertheless, there has been no indication of a reduction in hostilities. Hamas has stated it will not release the numerous hostages it is holding without an Israeli commitment to cease the conflict in Gaza. Conversely, Israel maintains that it will continue its military operations in Gaza until Hamas is completely defeated, and in Lebanon until Hezbollah no longer poses a threat.

Diplomatic sources indicate that Israel is leveraging its military strength to establish a robust position before a new U.S. administration assumes office after the November 5 election. The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, reported on Wednesday that one of its staff members was killed when a UNRWA vehicle was struck in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza. Medics confirmed that the man’s brother also lost his life. Additionally, the municipality of Gaza City reported that two city workers were killed and three others injured in a strike there.

In Lebanon, Israel’s military actions have displaced at least 1.2 million people and resulted in 2,530 fatalities, including at least 63 in the past 24 hours, according to the Lebanese government.