Blinken heads to Middle East for 11th time since Gaza war began

Anthony Blinken will again attempt to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East (dpa via AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to the Middle East, making his 11th trip to the region since the Gaza war erupted last year and as Israel steps up attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The US State Department said Mr Blinken will depart on Monday for a week-long trip to Israel and a number of Arab countries, on a visit that also comes as Israel weighs its retaliation against Iran for ballistic missile attacks earlier this month.