US Secretary of State Blinken Visits Israel to Address Gaza Crisis
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made it clear that Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza “as soon as conditions allow” and must not be displaced from the strip. Blinken announced on Tuesday that the Israeli government had agreed to a plan to allow a United Nations assessment mission to northern Gaza as the Israeli offensive there shifts to a new phase.
During a day of talks with top Israeli officials, Blinken reiterated US support for Israel’s security while also calling on the government to do more to mitigate civilian casualties. He also discussed efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Blinken, who has made five visits to Israel since the October 7 Hamas attacks, emphasized the importance of the US and Israel’s unique bond. He acknowledged the high stakes of the current situation, with concerns mounting over the conflict spilling into the wider region and the humanitarian toll continuing to grow.
Following Tuesday’s meetings, Blinken said that the US would continue to provide its best advice to Israel about conducting the war in a manner that achieves the objective of preventing a repeat of October 7, better protects civilians, and provides the necessary assistance to those in need.
Blinken also discussed the next phase of Israel’s war in Gaza, which Israeli officials said would be more targeted and involve fewer troops inside Gaza. He noted that the UN assessment mission was just the beginning of the process to make an uninhabitable land livable again and highlighted the serious security, infrastructure, and humanitarian challenges that lie ahead.
In some of his most direct comments on the matter, Blinken stressed the need for Israel to move towards a two-state solution if it wants the support of its Arab partners in the region.
The Secretary of State will also meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank on Wednesday and emphasized the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority to reform and improve governance.
Blinken’s visit to Israel comes amid growing fears of escalation in the region, with concerns about the conflict spreading to the north. He reassured Israel of the US commitment to ensuring the security of its northern border and expressed a willingness to work with Israel to find a diplomatic solution to avoid escalation and allow families to return to their homes securely.
The story and headline have been updated with additional information as the situation continues to unfold.