US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday as negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict reach a critical stage. Blinken plans to “continue intensive diplomatic efforts” on the ground in Israel, US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said in Washington ahead of his departure. “Secretary Blinken will underscore the critical need for all parties in the region to avoid escalation or any other actions that could undermine the ability to finalize an agreement,” the spokesman said. The negotiations were postponed on Friday. The mediators Egypt, Qatar, a…