US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Returns to Israel, Seeks Coordination in Efforts Against Hamas and Addresses Gaza Crisis
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is returning to Israel after holding talks in six Arab states, focusing on coordinating international efforts against Hamas and seeking solutions to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This visit comes just four days after Blinken demonstrated solidarity with Israel during his previous trip to Tel Aviv. As Israel prepares for a major ground operation in the Gaza Strip, Blinken is expected to meet with Israeli leaders.
There are reports that President Joe Biden might soon accept an invitation to visit Israel to show unwavering solidarity with the nation. The recent conflict was triggered when Hamas fighters breached the heavily fortified border, leading to the deaths of over 1,400 people. In response, Israel launched relentless bombing campaigns, resulting in the loss of at least 2,670 lives, mostly Palestinians residing in the blockaded and impoverished Gaza Strip.
During Blinken’s tour, leaders of various Arab states expressed strong opposition to Hamas, but also conveyed concerns about the plight of the Palestinians. Blinken reiterated that going forward, relations with Hamas could not return to business as usual. He acknowledged the need to address the needs of the people in Gaza, emphasizing that civilians should not suffer due to Hamas’s actions.
Under pressure from the United States, Israel recently resumed the supply of water to the southern Gaza Strip, despite earlier plans to halt the delivery of essential food, water, and energy supplies to the densely populated area. The US has appointed retired ambassador David Satterfield as a coordinator for spearheading humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, and he is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday.
While the Biden administration acknowledges Israel’s right to respond to the conflict, it has cautioned against extreme measures such as mass expulsion of Palestinians. Such actions are feared by Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas, who is a rival of Hamas and is based in the West Bank. In an interview on CBS News show 60 Minutes, President Biden expressed his belief that it would be a mistake for Israel to reoccupy Gaza. He highlighted Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 and the subsequent blockade imposed due to Hamas’s control, which both Israel and the United States consider a terrorist group.
During his tour, Blinken engaged in discussions with leaders from Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. The latter two countries have temporarily suspended their efforts to normalize relations with Israel in light of the recent violence. As a partner of the United States, Qatar maintains relations with Hamas, further adding to Blinken’s agenda in the region.
In summary, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel aims to strengthen coordination against Hamas and address the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The Biden administration emphasizes the need for humanitarian relief while cautioning against extreme measures and reoccupation of Gaza. With support from Arab states and the appointment of a humanitarian relief coordinator, efforts are being made to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza and work towards a lasting solution.
