DOHA, Qatar — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his ninth visit to the Middle East amid ongoing tensions in Gaza, failing to secure a significant cease-fire agreement. Blinken emphasized the urgency of reaching a deal, particularly following recent targeted killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, which have raised concerns about a potential escalation into a broader regional conflict. He noted that the situation is complicated by Hamas's rejection of the latest proposals, claiming they represent a departure from prior agreements