US Top Diplomat Urges Israel to Make Hard Choices, Work with Palestinians
GAZA/TEL AVIV/CAIRO – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a plea to Israel, calling for hard choices to be made in order to normalize relations with more neighboring countries and pave the way for the creation of a Palestinian state. Blinken’s visit to the Middle East comes amid ongoing fighting in Gaza, as well as clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants on the Lebanon-Israel border.
With mounting international concern over the high number of Palestinian casualties and the humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of people, Blinken stressed the importance of avoiding further civilian harm and protecting critical infrastructure in Gaza.
During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Blinken reiterated the need for sustainable peace in the region and the creation of a Palestinian state. He also urged Israel to support Palestinian leaders who are willing to live peacefully alongside Israelis.
Blinken’s visit to Israel followed discussions with Arab neighbors about future governance in Gaza and integration in the Middle East. While Arab allies expressed a willingness to develop closer ties with Israel, they insisted on the need for a practical pathway to a Palestinian state.
The U.S.-brokered talks on a Palestinian state in Israeli-occupied territory collapsed nearly a decade ago, and the current right-wing leaders in Israel oppose Palestinian statehood. Blinken emphasized that achieving these goals would require Israel to make hard choices and work alongside Palestinian leaders committed to peaceful coexistence.
Addressing the ongoing conflict, Blinken stated that the daily toll on civilians in Gaza was too high but dismissed claims of genocide. He also stressed the importance of allowing Palestinians displaced by the war to return home once conditions permit.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed Blinken that the offensive in Gaza’s southern Khan Younis area would intensify until the Hamas leadership is identified and Israeli hostages return safely.
As the conflict continues, the World Health Organization has warned of the collapse of Gaza’s health system, with limited access for relief trucks and the departure of medical staff and patients. The situation has resulted in overcrowded hospitals and limited resources to provide care to those in need.
Blinken’s visit to the region aims to find a longer-term approach to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that Israel’s objective of eradicating the threat from Hamas must be achieved, but at the same time, steps should be taken to prevent further civilian casualties and protect essential infrastructure. Blinken called on Israel to make difficult decisions and work with Palestinian leaders towards lasting peace and security.
