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During his visit to Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for minimizing civilian casualties in the ongoing war in Gaza and maintaining a trajectory toward establishing a Palestinian state.
In meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet, Blinken discussed the future governance of Gaza and the integration of the region. These discussions come in the wake of the attacks on October 7th by Hamas, which Israel reports resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people. Subsequent military operations in Gaza have led to the reported death of over 21,000 people.
Blinken’s agenda included talks on regional stability and the governance of Gaza, potentially involving Israel’s Muslim-majority neighbors. Echoing the Biden administration’s stance, Blinken stressed the importance of Israel’s right to defend itself while highlighting the necessity to avoid further civilian casualties and safeguard civilian infrastructure in Gaza. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller conveyed Blinken’s position, stating, “Blinken stressed the importance of avoiding further civilian harm and protecting civilian infrastructure in Gaza.”
The meetings also delved into the broader perspective of regional integration and peace, including the prospect of a Palestinian state. Blinken conveyed to Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz that opportunities for regional integration existed but hinged on navigating the current challenges. He reiterated the US’s commitment to a sustainable peace in the region that encompasses the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Additionally, Blinken planned to meet with families of hostages taken by Hamas to discuss efforts to secure their release. Outside the meeting venue, protestors gathered, advocating for a ceasefire to facilitate the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
