Blinken Seeks to Mitigate Tensions During Visit to Mahmoud Abbas Amidst Ongoing Conflict

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In a recent visit to the West Bank, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, signaling the Biden administration’s intent to alleviate the hardships faced by Gaza’s civilian population due to the Israeli military campaign and to formulate strategies for the region’s future after the conflict.

Under stringent security, Blinken’s convoy navigated the streets of Ramallah. This effort is part of a broader U.S. diplomatic endeavor that commenced three days prior, aiming to stabilize the region’s escalating tensions resulting from the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza.

The Biden administration, a staunch supporter of Israel’s right to self-defense in the face of attacks initiated by Hamas on October 7, is increasingly applying its influence on Israel. The aim is to moderate the impact of the prolonged encirclement and continuous bombardments by Israeli forces in Gaza, which is densely inhabited by civilians, numbering around 2.3 million.

Following his West Bank engagement, Blinken proceeded to Baghdad for discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, amid a rise in attacks on American troops in the region by Iranian-supported militias in Iraq and neighboring territories. A U.S. official confirmed the downing of an assault drone targeting U.S. and coalition forces in Syria, indicating the ongoing threats in the area.

Escalating Crisis in Gaza

Recent updates in the Israel-Hamas conflict have revealed that Gaza has again lost telecommunications, while Israeli forces report encircling Gaza City. This confrontation has been the most severe since 2007.

Hours before Blinken’s meeting with Abbas, Israeli airstrikes targeted a refugee camp in Gaza, resulting in at least 40 casualties as reported by Gaza’s health officials.

Despite the confidential nature of Blinken’s trip to the West Bank and the U.S. State Department’s initial silence on the matter, news of his arrival led to protests by Palestinians against the U.S. endorsement of Israel’s military actions. The demonstrators displayed signs with provocative imagery and slogans accusing Blinken of complicity in the violence.

Blinken and Abbas’s meeting was marked by an absence of public discourse.

The Palestinian Authority, which Abbas heads, governs certain areas of the Israeli-occupied West Bank with limited autonomy. However, the Authority has had no governance over Gaza since Hamas took control following its election victory in 2006.

A U.S. official accompanying Blinken emphasized the U.S. dedication to urging Israel to safeguard civilians in Gaza, bolster humanitarian assistance, and address the rise in violence by radical Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Blinken envisions a significant role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance post-Hamas, as conveyed to reporters by a U.S. official on the condition of anonymity.

Conversely, Abbas insists on a comprehensive political solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and will only accept authority over Gaza under such terms, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news outlet.

Abbas denounced the Israeli offensive as “genocidal” and pressed Blinken for immediate intervention to halt the hostilities.

In response, Blinken expressed the U.S. commitment to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians and restoring essential services, while also stressing that the displacement of Palestinians should not be forced, according to U.S. officials.

Blinken’s current trip marks his second to the region following the unanticipated October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, which claimed over 1,400 lives. Prior to his West Bank visit, Blinken was in Israel for discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and later convened with Arab ministers in Jordan.

Blinken has consistently affirmed U.S. solidarity with Israel’s defense rights but has equally underscored the imperative of adhering to wartime laws, safeguarding civilians, and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Despite these appeals, Netanyahu has not accepted the proposal for intermittent humanitarian pauses in military activities.

Arab foreign ministers from Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates echoed Blinken’s calls for humanitarian pauses. However, Blinken has stated that the U.S. will not enforce this demand.

The reluctance of Netanyahu may wane if convinced that mitigating civilian suffering aligns with Israel’s strategic interests. The escalating Palestinian death toll has sparked international protest and calls for an immediate cease-fire.

Arab nations are hesitant to take a more active role in the crisis, critical of the civilian toll but viewing Gaza’s plight as a predicament primarily of Israel’s making.

Upon arrival in Baghdad, Blinken donned protective gear, highlighting the precarious security situation. The U.S. harbors significant concerns regarding Iranian influence and the actions of its proxy militias in the region.

Amidst this volatile backdrop, the U.S. remains vigilant, with military forces on alert and carriers positioned in the Mediterranean, poised to respond to any further escalations.

Tara Copp and Lolita C. Baldor of Big Big News contributed reporting from Washington for this article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Blinken West Bank Visit

More about Blinken West Bank Visit

• Blinken’s Diplomatic Efforts in the Middle East
• U.S. Backing of Israel’s Military Response
• Impact of Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza
• U.S. Commitment to Palestinian Civilian Protection
• Role of the Palestinian Authority Post-Conflict
• International Protests for a Gaza Ceasefire
• U.S. and Iran-Backed Militias in the Middle East