U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the protection of civilians in southern Gaza during talks with Israeli leaders, ahead of Israel resuming its military operations.
On his third visit to the region following the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and nearly 240 kidnappings in Israel, Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In discussions with Netanyahu, Blinken affirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel while highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
“The Secretary stressed the imperative of accounting for humanitarian and civilian protection needs in southern Gaza before any military operations there,” said U.S. State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller.
Blinken also urged Netanyahu to control extremist settlers in the West Bank, who have displaced over 1,000 Palestinians since the October 7 incident. He maintained the U.S. focus on the safe return of hostages and expressed support for the two-state solution, envisioning Palestinians living in peace, freedom, and security alongside Israel.
After his meetings in Jerusalem, Blinken met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. His visit was met with protests, with demonstrators expressing dissatisfaction with U.S. foreign policy.
A small group protested at Al Manara Square, with Saeed Daoud notably displaying a photo of Blinken with a swastika, a symbol seen at the demonstration.
Despite a slight shift in the Biden administration’s tone, Palestinians like Ahmed Hajjaj, a 21-year-old paramedic, remain pessimistic about the impact of Blinken’s visit.
Similarly, Rasem Jayosi, in his mobile phone shop near the protest site, acknowledges a minor change in the U.S. stance but feels it falls short of his expectations.
Blinken’s visit to the region also included plans to return to Israel for meetings with opposition leader Yair Lapid, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Minister Benny Gantz.
