The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has arrived in Israel for what may be challenging meetings with Israeli leaders and officials. These discussions involve pressing matters related to their approach to the conflict with Hamas, an issue on which Israeli authorities have previously demonstrated resistance to pressure from Washington.
Blinken flew late on Monday night from the Saudi oasis town of AlUla where he held talks with the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, on a Middle East tour aimed at reaching a consensus on Gaza’s future.
He said key Arab states and Turkey had agreed to begin planning for the reconstruction and governance of Gaza once Israel’s war against Hamas ended.
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has stated that Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey have agreed to collaborate and coordinate efforts to assist Gaza in stabilizing and recovering. Their collective goal is to chart a political path forward for the Palestinians and work toward long-term peace, security, and stability in the entire region. The US Secretary
Blinken mentioned that while Arab leaders, including Saudis, express interest in normalizing relations with Israel, it is contingent upon reaching a lasting Israeli-Palestinian political settlement. This requires an end to the conflict in Gaza and a practical pathway to a Palestinian state. The US is actively pressing for postwar governance discussions in Gaza, emphasizing the protection of civilians, increased aid delivery, and recovery of hostages.
Despite the US’s steadfast support for Israel during the conflict with Hamas, there is friction due to Israel’s reluctance to publicly outline plans for Gaza’s governance post-military offensive. The Biden administration has proposed a unified Palestinian state comprising the West Bank and Gaza, but Israel’s government opposes this, hindering meaningful discussions on the matter.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing border strikes and rising fears of a broader conflict, highlighted by an Israeli airstrike killing a Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon. This escalation coincides with the toll the Gaza conflict is taking on civilians.