By Şevval Tufan – Turkish Journal
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a critical diplomatic mission to the Middle East, holding discussions with key Arab leaders to address growing concerns of the Gaza conflict spreading further. As the Israel-Hamas war enters its third month, Blinken met with leaders from Jordan and Qatar, emphasizing the urgent need for collaboration to prevent a regional crisis.
In talks with Qatar’s Emir and Jordan’s King, Blinken underscored the necessity for Israel to adjust military operations, minimize civilian casualties, and significantly increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. Emphasizing the importance of detailed post-conflict plans for the devastated Palestinian territory, Blinken’s mission is to garner support for U.S. efforts to quell fears of the conflict escalating, boost aid to Gaza, and prepare for an eventual end to hostilities.
The diplomatic tour, Blinken’s fourth to the region since the onset of the conflict, involves visits to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt, underlining the gravity of the situation.
In Amman, Blinken engaged with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, discussing the catastrophic repercussions of the Gaza war. The King called for an immediate cease-fire, emphasizing the need for sustained humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The United States and Jordan pledged to continue close coordination on aid delivery.
Arab states, including Jordan, have criticized Israel’s actions and refrained from publicly supporting long-term planning, insisting on a cease-fire since mid-October due to soaring civilian casualties. Israel’s refusal has led the U.S. to advocate for specified temporary “humanitarian pauses” for aid delivery and safe evacuations.
Blinken also toured the World Food Program’s regional coordination warehouse in Amman, witnessing aid being prepared for delivery to Gaza through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings. He commended the efforts of the WFP, other U.N. agencies, and the Jordanian government in facilitating assistance.
Despite international pressure, Israel’s response to increased aid deliveries has been limited. While Kerem Shalom was opened three weeks ago as a second entry point for aid, the number of trucks entering Gaza remains insufficient, significantly below pre-war levels.
Blinken emphasized the U.S.’s determination to maximize aid routes and ameliorate the dire situation for Gaza’s population, where one in four Palestinians is reportedly starving.
In Greece, Blinken previewed the challenges of his mission, acknowledging “not necessarily easy conversations” with allies and partners about building durable peace and security. The diplomatic efforts come amid heightened tensions in Lebanon, northern Israel, the Red Sea, and Iraq, adding strain to U.S. efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict.
As the international community criticizes Israel’s military operation, Blinken’s priorities include protecting civilians, increasing humanitarian aid, preventing further Hamas strikes, and outlining a framework for Palestinian-led governance and a secure Palestinian state or Israel.
The urgency of Blinken’s mission is underscored by recent events, including Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel and escalated assaults by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The international coalition issued a final warning to the Houthis to cease their attacks or face potential targeted military action.
Blinken’s diplomatic efforts aim to address immediate concerns and pave the way for a sustainable resolution to the Gaza conflict, considering the broader implications for the region’s stability.
Source: usnews.com
