From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Senior State Department official heads to region for talks on Gaza war
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf has departed for the region where she will meet with various government officials to advance diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war, the State Department says.
Leaf will travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, the West Bank and Italy, returning to the US on July 14.
“The assistant secretary will meet with government officials on continued diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire agreement, secure the release of all hostages and ensure humanitarian assistance is distributed throughout Gaza. She will also have further discussions on the post-conflict period in a way that builds lasting peace and security,” the State Department says.
The Times of Israel Community.