U.S. says primary focus on lasting Gaza ceasefire, aid; too early for peace talks
HUMEYRA PAMUK and ARSHAD MOHAMMED U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will focus primarily on ensuring that a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas holds during his visit to the region, and work to get assistance delivered to the people of Gaza, a senior State Department official said. Washington has "every hope and expectation" that the ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and now in its fourth day after 11 days of hostilities, will hold, the U.S. official suggested in a call with reporters but said it was too early for wider peace talks. Blinken will travel to Jerusalem, Ramallah,…