U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his first Middle East visit since facilitating a ceasefire offer for the ongoing Gaza conflict. The visit holds significance as Palestinians hope for a truce before a potential Israeli assault on Rafah, where half of Gaza’s population seeks refuge.
The discussions, lasting about two hours, focused on regional coordination for a sustainable resolution and addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized Blinken’s commitment to preventing the conflict’s further spread and stressed the importance of achieving a lasting solution.
The ceasefire offer, conveyed to Hamas by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, awaits the militant group’s response, as they seek additional guarantees for a resolution to the four-month-old war.
Blinken’s diplomatic mission extends beyond securing a truce; he aims to garner support for U.S. plans post-ceasefire. These plans include the reconstruction and administration of Gaza, advocating for Palestinian statehood (currently rejected by Israel), and encouraging Arab nations to normalize ties with Israel. The U.S. also seeks to curb escalation in the Middle East following recent airstrikes against pro-Iranian armed groups.
Israel, meanwhile, contemplates a new ground assault on Rafah, heightening tensions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted Israel’s determination for “total victory,” claiming to have incapacitated more than half of Hamas’ fighting forces. In response, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri dismissed Netanyahu’s statements as attempts to portray illusory victories amid ongoing resistance.
As the ceasefire proposal awaits a response, concerns persist about the well-being of civilians in Gaza. Thousands remain displaced, seeking refuge in makeshift tents, while Israeli tanks advance in various regions. The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty surrounding the potential breakthrough in diplomatic efforts.
The international community closely watches developments, hoping for a resolution to the protracted conflict and a pathway toward stability in the region.