U.S. Secretary of State Blinken Returns to Middle East Amidst Intensifying Conflict

In the aftermath of the severe Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel and Israel’s subsequent military retaliation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to make another diplomatic visit to the Middle East. This comes shortly after his recent intense journey to the region.

During his upcoming visits to Israel and Jordan, Blinken aims to emphasize U.S. support for Israel, thwart a broader Middle East conflict, and present a more intricate stance than he did on his prior trip. The evolving situation and the Biden administration’s need to balance both domestic and international considerations make this mission increasingly challenging.

A significant part of Blinken’s agenda includes advocating for increased evacuation of foreign nationals from Gaza and amplifying humanitarian assistance to the region. He will urge Israel to curtail violence instigated by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Additionally, while the U.S. administration has yet to censure Israel for actions resulting in substantial civilian casualties in Gaza, Blinken will underline the importance of civilian protection.

Despite his call for temporary halts in military actions for humanitarian reasons, Blinken remains opposed to mounting demands for an extensive cease-fire. This perspective aligns with President Joe Biden’s recent remarks, suggesting a temporary humanitarian “pause” in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to facilitate the safe evacuation of “prisoners.”

Furthermore, Blinken introduces an essential consideration to U.S. priorities: the vision for Gaza’s future after the conflict. Discussions will revolve around its governance, security measures, and the potential establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Both Biden and Blinken have consistently communicated their skepticism about the feasibility of Israel re-occupying Gaza. The subsequent steps remain largely uncharted, although Blinken recently hinted at a rejuvenated Palestinian Authority and the potential involvement of Arab states and global entities in a post-conflict Gaza during a congressional testimony.

State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, relayed that Blinken will discuss the U.S. dedication to collaborate with allies to foster lasting peace in the Middle East. This includes the ambition of establishing a Palestinian state that resonates with the hopes of the Palestinian populace in both Gaza and the West Bank.

The international perspective on the war has been in flux, particularly since Blinken’s last frenzied diplomatic mission to Israel and multiple Arab nations. With a noticeable shift in global opinion, Israel, initially receiving considerable sympathy post the Oct. 7 attacks, now faces extensive criticism for its robust military actions. This shift is perceived to have contributed to a surge in antisemitic and anti-Muslim incidents globally.

Given the worsening circumstances in Gaza, U.S. officials are increasingly conscious of the potential repercussions on relationships with the Arab world and other nations if the U.S. does not leverage its influence over Israel to mitigate the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.

Highlighting the complexity of the situation, a diplomatic rift has surfaced between Israel and Jordan. Jordan recently recalled its ambassador from Israel and barred the Israeli envoy from returning to Amman until the cessation of the Gaza operations.

Miller emphasized the U.S.’s alignment with Jordan’s apprehensions about Gaza’s “dire humanitarian situation” and stated that it will be a focal point of Blinken’s visit. He further asserted the U.S.’s belief in amplified diplomacy as a path to resolving the crisis.

Regional nations, including Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Gulf Arab countries, are on high alert, monitoring Israel’s strategies amidst the aftermath of Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks.

Before departing Washington, Blinken held discussions with the Saudi defense minister, given that Saudi Arabia has momentarily halted U.S.-mediated normalization dialogues with Israel. Moreover, while there have been strides in evacuating foreign nationals from Gaza, thousands still wish to depart, leaving over 200 Israelis and other individuals detained by Hamas.

In conclusion, President Biden recognized the collective efforts, particularly by Qatar, to facilitate evacuations and emphasized the paramount need to amplify humanitarian aid to Gaza.

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More about fokus keyword: Middle East Diplomacy

• U.S. Department of State: Official Statements
• Middle East Conflict Timeline
• Recent Hamas Attacks and Israel’s Response
• Biden Administration’s Middle East Policies
• Diplomatic Relations Between Israel and Jordan
• Evacuation Efforts in Gaza
• Humanitarian Situation in Gaza