U.S. Chief Diplomat Advocates for Civilian Safety as Israel Gears Up for Probable Gaza Offensive

The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, heightened his diplomatic endeavors in the Middle East and other regions on Saturday, advocating for the safeguarding of civilians in both Israel and the Gaza Strip as tensions escalate to potentially widen the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Blinken held discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh and subsequently visited the United Arab Emirates. These meetings were part of his broader strategy to not only protect civilians caught in the crossfire but also to confront the escalating humanitarian disaster. In addition, he reached out to his Chinese counterpart to enlist Beijing’s help in preventing the conflict from engulfing the broader region.

The Biden administration, while not explicitly urging Israel to temper its actions following Hamas’s attack a week earlier, has been emphasizing adherence to international laws of armed conflict. In meetings with Saudi and Emirati officials, Blinken underscored the necessity for humanitarian aid and the provision of secure exit routes for those seeking to leave the Gaza Strip.

Additional Coverage on Israel-Hamas Conflict

• U.S. Defense Secretary Visits Israel to Discuss American Security Assistance
• Blinken and Austin Reinforce U.S. Backing for Israel as Prospects of Ground Offensive in Gaza Increase
• Trump Expresses Support for Netanyahu Amid Republican Criticism

An impending ground invasion by Israel threatens to exacerbate the already dire conditions for Gaza’s civilian population, who lack access to electricity, clean water, and humanitarian aid. Egyptian authorities stated that the southern Rafah crossing would reopen, offering a potential exit route for foreign nationals. Israel has meanwhile advised Palestinian civilians to relocate to the southern parts of Gaza as military operations against Hamas in Gaza City continue.

Blinken consulted with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, seeking China’s influence to contain the conflict. Although the U.S. State Department did not divulge details of Wang’s reaction, it was conveyed that both nations have a mutual interest in maintaining regional stability.

In Riyadh, both Blinken and Prince Faisal emphasized the critical need to minimize civilian casualties as Israel readies for a likely ground operation against Hamas, a week after the militant group’s unprecedented assault on Israel.

The United States has not asked Israel to modify or postpone its evacuation strategy but has highlighted the significance of considering civilian safety in any military operation. Israeli authorities have acknowledged this advice.

Despite an agreement to allow Americans and other foreign nationals in Gaza to cross into Egypt via the Rafah border, the crossing remained closed as of Saturday. The U.S. State Department has meanwhile authorized non-essential personnel and their families to leave the American Embassy in Jerusalem and a facility in Tel Aviv.

Prince Faisal called for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing that unless concerted efforts are made to break the recurring cycle of violence, civilians on both sides will continue to bear the brunt of the conflict.

During his Middle East tour, which includes upcoming stops in Egypt and a return to Saudi Arabia, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi—a complex comprising a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, symbolizing the three Abrahamic religions. He signed a tile inscribed with the phrase, “Light in the Darkness.”

Blinken has previously visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain as part of his diplomatic mission.

Contributors to this report include Tara Copp, Colleen Long, and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington, and Baldor reporting from a U.S. military aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Diplomatic Efforts in Middle East

More about Diplomatic Efforts in Middle East

• U.S. Department of State Official Statement
• Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Release
• United Nations Reports on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
• The Biden Administration’s Policy on Israel-Hamas Conflict
• China’s Foreign Ministry Statement on Middle East Stability