Blinken urges Israel to seek deal as truce efforts remain stalled

Air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv shortly before his departure as Israel intercepted two projectiles fired from Lebanon

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is now heading for Saudi Arabia Picture: AP

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said Israel needs to pursue an “enduring strategic success” after its tactical victories against Hamas, urging it to seek a deal that would end the war in the Gaza Strip and bring back dozens of hostages.

He spoke before travelling from Israel to Saudi Arabia on his 11th visit to the region since the outbreak of the war.