GLOBAL FOCUS ON A LASTING SOLUTION IN GAZA: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urgently called on Israel to prioritise the protection of civilians in the conflict with Hamas in south Gaza, highlighting a stark contrast between stated intentions and the rising casualties. In a press conference after discussions with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Blinken emphasised the critical need for immediate action and appealed for a reevaluation of strategies to ensure the safety of innocent lives caught in the crossfire. The plea underscores the pressing global concern for civilian well-being and calls for diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting solution that prioritises peace in the midst of the escalating crisis. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)