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Movie Review: ‘Anora’ – A Wild, twisted fairytale with strippers, oligarchs, and high stakes

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: ‘Anora’ – A Wild, twisted fairytale with strippers, oligarchs, and high stakes

The film Anora, directed by Sean Baker, starts as a hedonistic joyride, only to take a dark, thrilling turn. This Palme d’Or-winning feature is one part fairy tale, one part white-knuckle thriller, offering viewers an unpredictable and riotous experience.

At the heart of the story is Anora (played by Mikey Madison), an exotic dancer from Brighton Beach who goes by the name Ani. She unexpectedly gets caught up in the whirlwind life of Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), a young Russian who initially hires her for her Russian-speaking skills. Their relationship quickly escalates, moving from hourly pay to a week-long arrangement for a hefty $15,000. With a carefree attitude and endless funds at their disposal, Ani and Ivan plunge into a world of drugs, champagne, private jets, and luxury suites, indulging in reckless extravagance.

Things take a surprising turn when Ivan impulsively proposes, and they get married in Las Vegas. But as in all fairy tales gone wrong, the dream starts to unravel. Ivan’s oligarch parents find out about the marriage, and their enforcers scramble to find Ivan and clean up the mess before the family’s arrival in New York. This is when Anora shifts from carefree indulgence to a tense, suspenseful ride, reminiscent of Uncut Gems, as the characters race against the clock.

The ensemble cast shines, particularly Yura Borisov as Igor, the seemingly thuggish bodyguard with a heart of gold, and Karren Karagulian as Toros, the stressed-out handler trying to contain the chaos. These characters are far from mere “bad guys”—they are complex, empathetic individuals caught in the web of their powerful employers.

Sean Baker’s signature filmmaking style is evident throughout. Known for bringing audiences into the lives of marginalized, often overlooked characters, Baker once again delivers a story filled with gritty realism and unexpected beauty. He turns what could have been a clichéd narrative of a dancer’s rise and fall into something far more profound and engaging.

While Anora isn’t shy about its exploitative elements—embracing themes of sex work, nudity, and indulgence—it transcends the typical stereotypes. The movie invites audiences to question their own assumptions about Ani’s choices, while also exploring the dangerous allure of power and wealth.

With a runtime of 138 minutes, Anora manages to keep audiences hooked from start to finish, blending dark humor, high-stakes tension, and an unforgettable cast of characters. Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language, and drug use, Anora is not for the faint of heart. But for those willing to take the ride, it’s an exhilarating journey that lingers long after the credits roll.

Anora, released by Neon, is now playing in select theaters and will expand in the coming weeks. Four stars out of four.

Blinken’s urgent mission: Ceasefire negotiations as tensions rise in the Middle East

Venus L Peñaflor
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Blinken’s urgent mission: Ceasefire negotiations as tensions rise in the Middle East

TEL AVIV. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Tuesday, embarking on a significant diplomatic effort to secure a ceasefire in the Middle East. This visit follows the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Israel’s most wanted man, who was blamed for the violent escalation of the conflict that began with the deadly attacks on October 7 last year.

As tensions remain high, Blinken aims to facilitate discussions that have so far failed to quell the ongoing war in Gaza and the increasing hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The death of Sinwar, seen as a potential turning point, could provide a new opportunity for peace negotiations. However, Israeli military operations against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon show no signs of abating.

Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and other officials during his week-long trip, which will also take him to Jordan and Qatar. U.S. officials report that a key focus of the discussions will be on rebuilding and governance in Gaza, which are crucial for achieving a lasting ceasefire. Meanwhile, a U.S. envoy has been dispatched to Lebanon to explore conditions for halting the conflict with Hezbollah.

Hours before Blinken’s arrival, air raid sirens were activated in Tel Aviv and other areas of central Israel following missile attacks by Hezbollah on what they claimed were Israeli military targets. This incident underscores Hezbollah’s ongoing capabilities despite Israel’s extensive military campaign.

During Israel’s response, heavy strikes targeted southern Lebanon, including areas near Beirut’s Rafik Hariri hospital, which resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, according to Lebanese authorities. The Israeli military asserted that the hospital itself was not targeted.

This trip marks Blinken’s 11th visit to the region since the onset of the Gaza war, yet all previous ceasefire efforts have been unsuccessful. The ongoing hostage situation, with Hamas holding numerous individuals seized during the October 7 raid, complicates the negotiations, as Hamas demands an end to the conflict before releasing the hostages. In contrast, Israel has stated it will not cease hostilities until Hamas is dismantled.

Recent escalations in Lebanon have seen Hezbollah firing rockets across the border, prompting a significant Israeli military response that has displaced approximately 1.2 million Lebanese and resulted in the deaths of many Hezbollah leaders.

As Blinken pursues peace, he will also address potential Israeli retaliation following a ballistic missile attack from Iran on October 1. Concerns are mounting that such retaliatory actions could disrupt oil markets and escalate into broader conflict.

The Gaza war, triggered by the October 7 attacks that killed around 1,200 Israelis and captured over 250 hostages, has led to devastating humanitarian consequences, with Gaza health authorities reporting at least 42,718 Palestinian deaths, and an additional 10,000 believed to be buried under the rubble.

With the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5 potentially altering U.S. foreign policy, this diplomatic mission represents a crucial attempt to secure peace in a region fraught with instability.

King Charles III’s Commonwealth visit to Samoa to spotlight climate change and traditional dance

EDGARDO HERNAL
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King Charles III’s Commonwealth visit to Samoa to spotlight climate change and traditional dance

LONDON. As King Charles III prepares for his visit to Samoa this week, the monarch is not only set to discuss pressing global issues like climate change but will also likely be treated to the vibrant cultural traditions of the South Pacific, including the local dances that have already brought a smile to his face.

Freddie Tuilagi, Samoa’s honorary consul to the U.K., recently gave King Charles a preview of the traditional Samoan dance at St. James’ Palace, donning a bark cloth wrap and a necklace historically worn by orator chiefs. The 75-year-old king, dressed in a formal blue suit and tie, grinned and attempted to follow along as Tuilagi moved through the steps.

“He loves it. He said he wants to learn the dance,” Tuilagi said, visibly delighted after their meeting. He added that the king can expect a similar experience when he arrives in Samoa, where locals have been preparing to welcome him with open arms and a display of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Tuilagi, who moved to Britain to play professional rugby, highlighted the significance of King Charles’ visit to the island nation, which has a population of around 220,000. “It’s an opportunity to showcase our culture, showcase our heritage, and show how proud we are as a country,” Tuilagi said. “To host the king and the leaders of the Pacific, the Commonwealth coming to Samoa is something special for us.”

Climate Change at the Forefront of the Commonwealth Visit

King Charles, the symbolic head of the 56-nation Commonwealth, is traveling to Samoa to meet with top government officials. The main agenda of this visit is the ongoing global fight against climate change, a cause the king has been passionately advocating for decades.

Samoa, like many island nations, is at the front lines of the climate crisis. Rising sea levels, warming ocean temperatures, and increasingly intense storms threaten the country’s existence. For Samoans, the king’s focus on climate change resonates deeply.

A Royal Visit with Global Impact

The royal visit has attracted international media attention, with many Samoans hoping the event will promote their islands as a top destination for European tourists. With King Charles and Queen Camilla expected to stroll along Samoa’s stunning beaches, locals are optimistic that the images broadcast worldwide will help boost the nation’s tourism industry.

“It’s not every day the king will see a chief from Samoa topless … at the palace,” Tuilagi said with a chuckle, referring to the traditional attire he wore during his dance demonstration. His goal, he said, was to spread joy and leave a lasting impression on the monarch.

As King Charles makes his way to Samoa, he can expect more of the same lively, joyful atmosphere—alongside serious discussions about the planet’s future and how small island nations like Samoa can survive in the face of climate change.

Kinumpirma ni Espenido na utos ni Bato na iugnay si De Lima sa droga

Venus L Peñaflor
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Kinumpirma ni Espenido na utos ni Bato na iugnay si De Lima sa droga

MAYNILA. Kinumpirma ni Police Colonel Jovie Espenido nitong Martes na inutusan siya at si Kerwin Espinosa ni dating PNP Chief at ngayo’y Senador Bato dela Rosa na iugnay si dating Senador Leila de Lima sa ilegal na droga.

Ginawa ni Espenido ang pahayag sa pagdinig ng House Quad Committee (QuadComm) tungkol sa mga extrajudicial killing sa war on drugs noong administrasyon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, matapos tanungin ni Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro.

“Tama ba na may testimonya mula kay Kerwin Espinosa na kayo’y inutusan upang tiyaking pareho ang mga pahayag niyo na mag-uugnay kay Senadora De Lima sa illegal drug trade? Inaamin niyo ba ito? Oo o hindi?,” tanong ni Luistro.

“I confirm, Your Honor,” sagot ni Espenido.

Tinukoy ni Luistro ang naging pahayag ni Espinosa na si Dela Rosa ang nagpakilala sa kanya kay Ronnie Dayan, dating bodyguard ni De Lima, at kay Espenido upang magtugma ang kanilang mga testimonya sa imbestigasyon ng Senado tungkol sa ilegal na droga.

Noon, sinabi ni Espinosa na nag-abot siya ng P8 milyong drug money kay De Lima—isang alegasyon na binawi niya na noong 2022.

Matapos ito, tinanong ni Luistro si Espenido, “Binabawi niyo na ba lahat ng testimonya laban kay Senadora De Lima noong imbestigasyon ng Senado [noong 2016]?”

Noong Disyembre 2016, sinabi ni Espenido na ang litrato ni De Lima kasama si Espinosa sa Baguio ay kasama sa affidavit ng ama ni Kerwin, si Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, na nakulong sa Leyte dahil sa kasong may kaugnayan sa ilegal na droga. Ang nakatatandang Espinosa ay napatay sa loob ng kulungan noong Nobyembre 2016 matapos barilin sa ulo.

Nauna nang itinanggi ni Dela Rosa ang mga paratang ni Espinosa at nagbanta pa na susuntukin ito sa mukha dahil sa pagsisinungaling.

“Sabihan mo siya, ‘pag makita ko siya, suntukin ko sa mukha sa kanyang kasinungalingan. ‘Pag magkita kami, suntukin ko siya sa mukha. Sobrang sinungaling siya,” ayon kay Dela Rosa.

Patuloy ang pagsubaybay sa mga susunod na hakbang ukol sa isyung ito.

Blinken’s visit to Israel aims to revive ceasefire efforts after the killing of Hamas leader

Venus L Peñaflor
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Blinken’s visit to Israel aims to revive ceasefire efforts after the killing of Hamas leader

TEL AVIV, Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Tuesday, marking his 11th visit since the Israel-Hamas war erupted. As tensions remain high, Blinken seeks to reignite ceasefire negotiations after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, though the involved parties show little sign of relenting.

More than a year after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel, the conflict rages on. Israel is engaged not only with Hamas but also with Hezbollah, having launched a ground invasion into Lebanon earlier this month. The possibility of Israeli retaliation against Iran remains strong, following Tehran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1.

Shortly before Blinken’s arrival, Hezbollah launched a rocket attack on central Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country, including near Israel’s busiest airport. According to the Israeli military, most of the five rockets were intercepted, with no significant damage or injuries reported. A further 15 projectiles were fired into northern Israel from Lebanon around the same time.

During his visit, Blinken is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top Israeli officials. Following his stay in Israel, Blinken will likely visit key Arab nations, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where efforts to negotiate an end to the fighting are ongoing.

“Secretary Blinken will discuss the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of all hostages, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated.

Blinken’s agenda also includes planning for post-conflict rebuilding and “charting a new path forward that enables Palestinians to rebuild their lives,” according to Miller. The U.S. is pushing for a significant increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, an issue Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin underscored in a letter to Israeli officials last week. In that letter, the Biden administration warned Israel that U.S. law might require a reduction in military aid if humanitarian efforts continue to be obstructed.

While Blinken’s previous visits have done little to halt the violence, they have successfully expanded the flow of aid into Gaza. Despite months of talks brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have struggled to reach a lasting ceasefire. Negotiations involving hostages and the release of Palestinian prisoners have faltered, with both sides accusing each other of making unrealistic demands.

Tensions are also escalating between Israel and Hezbollah, with U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire between the two collapsing in recent weeks. Israel’s strikes in southern Beirut and other Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon have killed the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with many senior commanders. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched hundreds of rockets, missiles, and drones into Israel.

Israel’s ongoing military operation in northern Gaza has reportedly killed hundreds of Palestinians, with local health officials stating that over 42,000 Palestinians have died since the war began. The destruction has displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, with the majority of the 2.3 million residents left homeless.

Hamas’s October 7 incursion into Israel resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of around 250 hostages. While some hostages have been released, nearly 100 remain captive in Gaza, with a third feared dead.

As Blinken’s visit unfolds, the U.S. continues to navigate the complex dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Hezbollah’s involvement, and the broader regional impact of ongoing hostilities. The hope remains that a ceasefire can be achieved, but with rising casualties and deepening animosities, the path forward is anything but clear.

Pahayag ni VP Sara, nakababahala ayon sa DOJ

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pahayag ni VP Sara, nakababahala ayon sa DOJ

MAYNILA. Ipinahayag ni Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na ang banta ni Vice President Sara Duterte na hukayin ang mga labi ni dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at itapon sa West Philippine Sea ay “napaka-nakababahala.”

Ayon kay Remulla, kasalukuyang pinag-aaralan ng Department of Justice (DOJ) ang legal na aspeto ng mga pahayag ng bise presidente. “It desecrates the memory of a person. It desecrates the peaceful state that he must be in, having already perished, to disturb the body,” aniya.

Naniniwala si Remulla na may iba pang moral na prinsipyo na maaaring nalabag, kaya’t kasalukuyan nang sinusuri ng DOJ ang mga pahayag ni Duterte. “Iba na yun. Non-compos mentis (of unsound mind) na yung pinangagalingan,” dagdag pa ng kalihim, na nagbigay-diin na ang mga salitang binitiwan ng bise presidente ay hindi nagmula sa isang matino at malinaw na nag-iisip na tao.

Kidney transplants between HIV-positive patients deemed safe, U.S. study confirms

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Kidney transplants between HIV-positive patients deemed safe, U.S. study confirms

A U.S. study has confirmed that kidney transplants between people with HIV are safe, potentially paving the way for more life-saving organ donations. The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday, could lead to expanded organ transplantation practices and reduce wait times for all patients, regardless of HIV status.

The study examined 198 kidney transplants performed across the U.S., comparing outcomes between recipients who received kidneys from HIV-positive deceased donors and those from HIV-negative donors. Researchers found that both groups experienced similar high survival rates and low levels of organ rejection.

“This demonstrates the safety and the fantastic outcomes that we’re seeing from these transplants,” said Dr. Dorry Segev, co-author of the study from NYU Langone Health.

The participants, all of whom were HIV-positive and had kidney failure, agreed to receive organs from either an HIV-positive or HIV-negative deceased donor, depending on availability. The study tracked the recipients for up to four years. While some patients experienced a rise in viral load — 13 in the HIV donor group and four in the non-HIV donor group — this was largely due to inconsistent adherence to HIV medications. In all cases, viral levels returned to undetectable or very low levels.

The findings come as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is moving to change regulations to allow kidney and liver transplants between HIV-positive patients outside of research studies. A proposed rule, currently under consideration, would apply to both living and deceased donors and could take effect in the coming year.

Dr. Elmi Muller of Stellenbosch University in South Africa, who pioneered HIV-positive organ transplants, praised the study’s impact in an editorial accompanying the research. She noted that these findings will have “far-reaching effects in many countries that do not perform transplantations with these organs.”

The push to expand HIV-positive organ donation was first initiated in 2013 when the U.S. government lifted a longstanding ban on such transplants for research purposes. This shift followed South Africa’s 2010 success in proving the safety of HIV-positive organ donations. Since then, more than 500 transplants of kidneys and livers from HIV-positive donors have been performed in the U.S.

Despite these advancements, stigma and outdated policies have discouraged people living with HIV from becoming organ donors, said Carrie Foote, a sociology professor at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Foote, who is HIV-positive and a registered organ donor, emphasized the importance of breaking these barriers.

“Not only can we help those of us living with this disease, but we free up more organs in the entire organ pool so that those who don’t have HIV can get an organ faster,” Foote explained. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

With over 90,000 people currently on the waiting list for kidney transplants in the U.S., this development could significantly reduce wait times. In 2022 alone, more than 4,000 people died waiting for a kidney.

Dr. Muller highlighted the broader impact of the study, stating, “Above all, we have taken yet another step toward fairness and equality for persons living with HIV.”

Vietnam parliament elects army general as state’s new president

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Vietnam parliament elects army general as state’s new president

HANOI. Vietnam’s parliament on Monday elected Army General Luong Cuong as the country’s new state president, following a period of political reshuffles and leadership changes. Cuong, 67, takes over the position from To Lam, who briefly held the role after being appointed in May and later assuming the more powerful post of party chief upon the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in July.

Cuong’s election received unanimous support, with all 440 deputies present at the session voting in favor of his presidency. In his inaugural speech, Cuong emphasized strengthening Vietnam’s defense capabilities, pledging to build a more modern and agile military force. He stated his commitment to an independent and multilateral foreign policy, aiming to bolster the nation’s international standing.

“We will strengthen national defense and security, build up an army force that is revolutionary, well-trained, nimble, and modern,” Cuong vowed, reflecting Vietnam’s ongoing effort to diversify its military arsenal beyond its reliance on Russian-made weapons.

Before he was elected president, Cuong held a key role in the Communist Party’s secretariat, making him the fifth-highest-ranking official in the country. He is also a member of the Politburo, Vietnam’s top decision-making body. Despite the state president’s largely ceremonial role, Cuong will represent Vietnam in high-level diplomatic engagements with foreign leaders.

His predecessor, To Lam, during his short tenure as president, met with top leaders from China, Russia, and the United States, among other nations. The power dynamics in Vietnam, however, have shifted in recent years, with the role of party chief becoming the most influential position under Trong’s 13-year leadership, which expanded the office’s powers significantly.

Lam’s decision to step down from the presidency is seen by diplomats as part of a power-sharing compromise within the Communist Party. Analysts believe this arrangement will last until 2026 when the top positions in the Vietnamese government will be reorganized as part of the regular five-year political restructuring.

Vietnam, which has enjoyed political stability for decades, surprised many observers with recent leadership changes triggered by an anti-corruption campaign that saw the resignation of two state presidents and one parliament chairman in just 17 months. This latest election of General Luong Cuong is expected to bring a period of stability, crucial for the country’s political landscape and its export-driven economy, heavily backed by foreign multinationals.

The new president’s role, although ceremonial, will be pivotal in maintaining Vietnam’s standing in international diplomacy and overseeing the country’s strategic direction in defense and foreign policy.

PAGASA warns tropical depression Kristine may strengthen into typhoon before northern Luzon landfall

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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PAGASA warns tropical depression Kristine may strengthen into typhoon before northern Luzon landfall

MANILA. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned that Tropical Depression Kristine may intensify into a typhoon before making landfall in Northern Luzon later this week.

In its 5 p.m. bulletin on Monday, PAGASA reported that Kristine is likely to strengthen into a tropical storm within the next 12 hours. The weather bureau also forecasts that Kristine could make landfall over Northern Luzon either on Thursday evening or early Friday morning.

Seventeen areas have already been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as the storm slightly slowed down. The areas affected include:

Luzon:

  • The southeastern portion of Isabela (Palanan, Dinapigue)
  • Aurora
  • Northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Buenavista, San Narciso, San Andres, General Nakar, Pitogo, San Francisco, Calauag, Pagbilao, Infanta, Lopez, Catanauan, Mulanay, Unisan, General Luna, Plaridel, Quezon, Alabat, Sampaloc, Padre Burgos, Macalelon, Mauban, Perez, Agdangan, Gumaca, Atimonan, Real) including the Polillo Islands
  • Camarines Norte
  • Camarines Sur
  • Catanduanes
  • Albay
  • Sorsogon
  • Masbate, including Ticao and Burias Islands

Visayas:

  • Eastern Samar
  • Northern Samar
  • Samar
  • Leyte
  • Biliran
  • Southern Leyte

Mindanao:

  • Dinagat Islands
  • Surigao del Norte, including Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands

PAGASA cautioned that the highest wind signal that may be hoisted during Kristine’s passage is Signal No. 4, should the storm continue to intensify.

As of the latest report, Kristine was located approximately 870 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. The tropical depression is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, with gusts reaching up to 70 kph, and is moving westward at a speed of 15 kph.

Kristine is expected to bring strong to gale-force winds across several parts of the country, including Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Palawan, Romblon, Aklan, Antique, Negros Island Region, Northern Cebu, Bohol, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, Northern Mindanao, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Sarangani, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental on Tuesday.

Authorities are advising residents in affected areas to prepare for possible flooding, landslides, and strong winds as the storm approaches. PAGASA will continue to monitor the storm and provide timely updates as Kristine progresses toward land.

Blinken embarks on diplomatic mission to push for Gaza ceasefire as U.S. seeks end to ongoing conflict

Venus L Peñaflor
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Blinken embarks on diplomatic mission to push for Gaza ceasefire as U.S. seeks end to ongoing conflict

WASHINGTON. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to the Middle East on Monday, as the U.S. ramps up efforts to initiate ceasefire negotiations aimed at halting the Gaza war. This diplomatic push follows the death of Yahya Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, last week.

This marks Blinken’s eleventh trip to the region since Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current war. Israel has since intensified its military actions in Gaza and expanded strikes into Lebanon against Hezbollah, a militia backed by Iran.

Blinken’s visit aims to engage with regional leaders on several key issues: ending the Gaza conflict, outlining a post-war plan for the Palestinian enclave, and finding a diplomatic solution to tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. While the exact itinerary remains undisclosed, the U.S. State Department confirmed that the visit will commence in Israel.

“Throughout the region, Secretary Blinken will discuss the importance of bringing the war in Gaza to an end, securing the release of all hostages, and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people,” the State Department said in a statement. It added, “He will continue discussions on post-conflict period planning and emphasize the need to chart a new path forward that enables Palestinians to rebuild their lives.”

The trip comes amid mounting international calls for a ceasefire. U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, along with other global leaders, have expressed their desire to see the year-long Gaza conflict come to a halt. This diplomatic push intensified following the killing of Sinwar, who was one of the architects behind Hamas’s October 7 attack that left around 1,200 Israelis dead, and 253 hostages taken into Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the military campaign will continue despite these efforts. Analysts suggest Netanyahu might prefer to wait until the end of Biden’s term in January 2025, hoping for better prospects with the next U.S. president, whether Harris or Republican rival Donald Trump, with whom Netanyahu has maintained strong ties.

In addition to ceasefire talks, Blinken is expected to underscore the urgency of delivering more food, medicine, and humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. The humanitarian situation has become dire, with health officials reporting severe shortages of essential supplies amid Israel’s escalated offensive. The three remaining hospitals still partially functioning in Gaza struggle to treat the wounded, while fuel and food remain in critically short supply.

The war has caused devastating losses in Gaza. Over 42,500 Palestinians have been killed, with Gaza health officials estimating that an additional 10,000 may be buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings.

As Blinken embarks on this critical mission, the international community will be closely watching whether his diplomatic efforts can bring any resolution to the escalating violence.

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