U.S. Secretary of State's trip to the Middle East...Pressure on ceasefire negotiations ahead of presidential election

Two weeks before the U.S. presidential election, Secretary of State Tony Blinken will visit the Middle East.

The State Department announced that Secretary Blinken will visit Israel and other Middle Eastern countries until the 25th.

During his visit, Blinken will discuss the importance of ending the Gaza war and releasing all hostages, while also discussing postwar plans, the State Department said.

The State Department said Blinken would reaffirm the U.S. commitment to work with regional partners to ease tensions and provide permanent stability.

Blinken's visit comes as the Israeli military said it was an opportunity to change the situation in the Middle East, including the Gaza war, by removing Hamas chief Sinwar.President

Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris pressed Israel and Hamas to resume ceasefire negotiations, saying the elimination of Sinwar effectively disrupted Hamas' terrorist capabilities.