Blinken heads to the Middle East for the fifth time since the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict

(Patria) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the West Bank from February 4 to 8, marking his fifth trip to the region since the Hamas attack on October 7, the State Department announced, as reported by agencies.

Blinken's trip aims to continue Washington's efforts to secure an exchange of hostages and prisoners between Hamas and Israel.

The agreement would include a humanitarian pause to allow for the continued, increased delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, the State Department said.

The State Department stated that Blinken will "continue working to prevent the spread of the conflict, while affirming that the United States will take appropriate steps to defend its personnel and the right to freedom of navigation in the Red Sea."