US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in his recent efforts to mediate in the Gaza conflict, conveyed to Israeli leaders on Tuesday that there remains a chance to gain acceptance from their Arab neighbors by establishing a path to a viable Palestinian state.
During his fourth visit to the region since October, Blinken stated that he would share insights from his discussions with Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. He met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was scheduled to engage with members of the war cabinet formed after the October 7 attacks by Palestinian Hamas militants.
The Israeli offensive, claiming more than 23,000 Palestinian lives, has led to significant destruction in Gaza and the displacement of the majority of its 2.3 million population, exacerbating a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Blinken, addressing concerns about the protection of Gaza’s civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid, emphasized the need for Israel to do more in this regard. President Joe Biden also indicated that the U.S. was quietly urging Israel to begin withdrawing some forces.
Blinken’s regional discussions focused on finding a longer-term resolution to the longstanding Israel-Palestinian conflict, aiming to contribute to ending the Gaza war. After talks with Arab allies, he highlighted their interest in integration with Israel, but only with a “practical pathway” to a Palestinian state.
While acknowledging the challenging moment, Blinken expressed optimism about real opportunities, urging collaborative efforts to prevent a recurrence of events like those on October 7 and build a better future.
As Israel transitions from full-blown warfare to a more targeted campaign in northern Gaza, with ongoing intense combat in the south, casualties and the humanitarian crisis continue to escalate. The pressure is mounting on the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, to advocate for de-escalation.
The United Nations has warned of the jeopardized ability to treat casualties, with some hospitals at risk of closure due to ongoing hostilities. Meanwhile, Israel faces legal challenges, with South Africa filing a lawsuit in the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of genocidal actions against Palestinians. The conflict has also spread to Lebanon, with Hezbollah firing rockets in support of Hamas, leading to further regional tensions.
