U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Israel to use recent gains in the conflict with Hamas to end the war in Gaza. Speaking to reporters before departing for Riyadh, Blinken emphasized the need to focus on a lasting resolution after the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and the significant damage to the group’s military infrastructure over the past year.
Blinken highlighted that Israel has effectively neutralized the immediate threat of a repeat attack similar to the deadly assault of October 7, 2023, which triggered its Gaza campaign. "Now is the time to turn those successes into an enduring strategic success," Blinken stated. He underscored the priority of securing the release of the remaining 101 Israeli and foreign hostages and developing a post-conflict strategy for Gaza.
As the conflict continues, Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis, with much of its population displaced and living in temporary shelters. Blinken stressed the importance of ensuring adequate humanitarian aid, urging Israel to facilitate more supplies to alleviate the dire conditions. Despite Israel's military advances, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has yet to articulate a clear post-war vision for Gaza beyond dismantling Hamas' military and governance capabilities.
Concerns have surfaced among Palestinians that Israel may seek to expand control over parts of Gaza, potentially opening the way for the return of Jewish settlers who left the territory in 2005. However, Blinken reaffirmed the United States' opposition to any Israeli occupation of Gaza, noting assurances from Netanyahu that such a move was not in Israel’s plans. "It's been U.S. policy, it will remain U.S. policy," Blinken said, adding that the Israeli prime minister's stance aligns with this position.
The region's tensions escalated further on Wednesday when two rockets were launched from Lebanon, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv. The Israeli military intercepted both rockets. As Blinken was present in Tel Aviv during the incident, several U.S. officials and press at his hotel evacuated to shelters as a precaution. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces also intercepted two drones targeting Eilat, reportedly launched by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. No injuries were reported in these attacks.
Blinken’s visit to the Middle East comes at a critical juncture as the U.S. seeks to navigate a path toward ending the ongoing hostilities while ensuring a stable and secure future for both Israelis and Palestinians.