U.S. National Security Adviser to meet Palestinian officials
In a effort to resolve the ongoing crisis in Gaza, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is set to meet leaders of the Palestinian Authority on Friday. This meeting is part of a larger effort by the Biden administration to revitalize the governing body and explore a path forward after the Israel-Hamas war. This comes shortly after Sullivan’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the timeline of the war and conditions for a ceasefire.
The U.S. has been increasingly concerned about the heavy combat that has led to the deaths of more than 18,700 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis. In the wake of this conflict, President Biden has criticized Israel’s actions, stating that the country is “starting to lose” international support due to its “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza.
Sullivan’s meeting with Israeli officials did not reveal when Israel plans to scale back its military operations, but he did express that Israeli officials have indicated their intention to reduce civilian casualties moving forward.
Meanwhile, Israel announced the recovery of the bodies of two of its soldiers who were taken hostage, and revealed that it accidentally killed three Israeli hostages in an active combat zone.
The Israeli government has also approved the opening of the Karem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza to allow aid into the territory. This shift comes after weeks of prohibition on aid being allowed to cross into Gaza.
In addition to addressing the situation in Gaza, Sullivan emphasized the need to manage tensions between Israel and Lebanon. He stated that the U.S. will not tolerate threats and terrorism from Hezbollah in Lebanon, and advocated for a diplomatic resolution to prevent the conflict from spreading further.
As the situation continues to unfold, the U.N. World Food Program has reported that “half of the population are starving” in Gaza, and the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees described the dire situation of over one million displaced people in southern Gaza.
The ongoing crisis in Gaza remains a top concern for the international community as the war enters its third month, with major efforts underway to alleviate suffering and bring about a sustainable path forward for all involved.