US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel to seek a deal to end the war in the Gaza Strip and bring back hostages. Blinken made the comments before travelling to Saudi Arabia, his 11th visit to the region since the outbreak of the war. He stated that Israel has achieved most of its strategic objectives in Gaza and now is the time to turn those successes into an enduring strategic success. However, there is no indication that either side has modified their demands since talks stalled over the summer. Egypt has suggested a short pause in fighting in which Hamas would release some hostages and humanitarian aid deliveries would be increased.