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Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle, tackling an intense diplomatic agenda as the region experiences heightened tensions due to the war between Israel and Hamas.

Blinken’s journey will take him through key regional players, including Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and the Palestinian Authority.

Secretary Blinken’s trip comes in the wake of a series of events, including the assassination of a top Hamas leader in Lebanon and attacks on US interests and commercial vessels, sparking fears of a broader conflict. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the global disinterest in the conflict spreading beyond Gaza, outlining Blinken’s mission to focus on Israel’s conflict with Hamas, civilian protection, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas.

This comes as the Biden administration continues to support Israel in its war against Hamas amid international calls for a ceasefire and concerns over the high Palestinian casualty rate.