"Abbas Urges Gaza Truce in Meeting with Blinken Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict"

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas joins other Arab leaders in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The death toll in Gaza approaches 10,000, and Arab countries are growing increasingly frustrated with the worsening humanitarian situation. However, Blinken has rebuffed these requests, stating that a ceasefire would give Hamas more breathing room. The US's handling of the crisis is facing criticism, with Arab leaders calling for a full ceasefire and questioning the effectiveness of the American role. Blinken also met with Abbas in Ramallah, discussing efforts to restore calm and stability in the West Bank. After the meeting, Blinken traveled to Turkey to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose ties with Israel have deteriorated due to his pro-Palestine stance.