U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken started his Middle East trip by visiting Saudi Arabia to discuss post-war governance in Gaza and humanitarian issues. He will also meet with leaders from Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan to discuss Gaza's future governance. Blinken plans to engage European countries in the Gaza rebuilding effort.

In Israel, Blinken aims to push Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for concrete steps to improve Gaza's dire humanitarian situation, as demanded by President Joe Biden. The trip coincides with efforts by Arab states and Europe to present a peace plan recognizing Palestinian statehood at the United Nations.

The U.S. supports Israel's goal of neutralizing Hamas but opposes re-occupation of Gaza. Instead, the focus is on empowering a reformed Palestinian Authority with Arab backing.

Blinken will also discuss Saudi Arabia's normalization efforts with Israel, potentially involving U.S. defense and nuclear cooperation agreements. The trip will progress to Jordan and Israel, emphasizing humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and urging sustained efforts to alleviate the crisis.

Recent U.S. diplomatic actions reflect a stance that Israel must address civilian harm and aid workers' safety. President Biden highlighted Israeli efforts to open new border crossings into Gaza to address food shortages during a recent phone call with Netanyahu.