US Secretary of State Holds Arab Talks to Address Gaza War Amid Growing Arab Concerns
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has initiated discussions with Arab foreign ministers in Jordan in an effort to alleviate the escalating Gaza conflict. Blinken’s push for a humanitarian pause in the month-long war was rebuffed by Israel, leading him to engage with Arab leaders to find a resolution. The day began with talks between Blinken and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani of Qatar, who has been mediating the conflict. Blinken is also scheduled to meet with foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
These discussions come as Arab nations become increasingly infuriated by the rising civilian casualties and fear further escalations of the conflict. As the war entered its 29th day, Israeli troops surrounded Gaza’s largest city, resulting in the deaths of over 9,500 Palestinians, primarily women and children.
During his visit to Israel on Friday, Blinken emphasized the importance of humanitarian pauses to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, believing it could lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas and the distribution of aid to Gaza’s struggling population. However, Netanyahu declined to agree to a temporary truce.
In addition to addressing the immediate concerns of the Gaza war, the six-nation talks in Amman are expected to touch on the future of Gaza beyond the conflict. While the United States has renewed its calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state, success seems unlikely due to a history of failed attempts. Blinken reiterated that a two-state solution, where a Palestinian state coexists with Israel, is the best and only path to achieving peace and security for both communities.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has long opposed this vision, making the prospects of its realization even more challenging. The United States has also urged the Palestinian Authority, which handed power to Hamas over 15 years ago, to regain control.
To ensure a balanced representation, a representative of the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmud Abbas will attend the meeting in Amman.
The talks aim to find diplomatic solutions, mitigate the devastating consequences of the war, and pave the way for a more stable future for Gaza and its residents. As discussions proceed, it remains to be seen whether a breakthrough can be achieved in this long-standing conflict.
