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Added on the 19/04/2024 13:25:25 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken leaves Joint Base Andrews as he heads back to the Middle East to push ahead a Gaza ceasefire deal, as cautious optimism rises. The top US diplomat, who is putting off vacation plans for his ninth trip to the Middle East since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, will fly to Tel Aviv ahead of expected meetings with the Israeli leadership. IMAGES
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that China can play a role in reducing tensions in the Middle East, including through its influence with Iran. "I think the relationships that China has can be positive in trying to calm tensions, to prevent escalation, avoid the spread of the conflict," Blinken told reporters, saying Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed to stay in contact on the Middle East. SOUNDBITE
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges both Israel and the Palestinians to lower tensions and calls for an immediate end to rocket fire by Hamas. "All sides need to de-escalate, reduce tensions, take practical steps to calm things down," Blinken says as he meets his Jordanian counterpart in Washington. SOUNDBITE
European Affairs ministers from the 27 EU countries meet in Luxembourg, where they will be preparing the major topics set to be discussed at the European Summit on June 27 and 28, namely the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as security and defence issues. IMAGES
"Israel has offered, a comprehensive new proposal. It is a roadmap for an enduring ceasefire and release of all hostages," says US President Joe Biden. SOUNDBITE