Blinken is planning a trip to the Middle East to discuss the Gaza hostage situation and ceasefire deal. He is communicating with Hamas's mediators, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to rekindle negotiations after they stalled. The US wants to see a path forward that brings the hostages home, reconstruction, and actual security in Gaza. They also want to see the IDF fully withdrawn from Gaza. The US believes that stability in Gaza can lead to a diplomatic resolution in the fight across the blue line with Hezbollah.