Washington, United States – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who arrived in Israel today on a diplomatic visit will address the pressing issue of minimizing harm to civilians in Gaza amid growing concern over casualties resulting from Israel’s bombardment of the region, Reuters reported.
During his visit, Blinken will engage in discussions about concrete measures that can be taken to protect the well-being of Gaza’s civilian population.
“We will be talking about concrete steps that can and should be taken to minimize harm to men, women and children in Gaza, and this is something that the United States is committed to. I’m not going to get into the details here, but it’s very much on the agenda,” Blinken told reporters as quoted by Reuters.
“When I see a Palestinian child – a boy, a girl – pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building, that hits me in the gut as much as seeing a child from Israel or anywhere else. So this is something that we have an obligation to respond to, and we will,” he added.
Blinken also intends to focus on the future of Gaza post-Hamas, exploring avenues for humanitarian aid to reach the area and strategies to prevent the conflict from spreading. Another critical topic on his agenda will be securing the release of over 200 hostages held by Hamas.
A White House official revealed that Blinken plans to urge the Israeli government to implement brief ceasefires in military operations in Gaza. These pauses are aimed at ensuring the safe release of hostages and the distribution of humanitarian assistance.
While Blinken reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, he emphasized the shared responsibility of Israel and the United States in safeguarding the lives of civilians affected by the conflict. The Secretary of State expressed his commitment to taking specific actions to minimize harm to both Palestinian and Israeli children and civilians.
The conflict in Gaza, which began when Hamas militants breached the border on October 7, has resulted in a significant loss of life and an escalating humanitarian crisis. The United States, traditionally supportive of Israel, has adjusted its stance in response to the rising civilian casualties and deteriorating conditions in Gaza.
The first wave of evacuations from Gaza, coordinated through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, has commenced, with 79 US citizens among those leaving the region. Blinken anticipates further evacuations in the coming days.
Concerns about Israel’s exit strategy and the future governance of the Palestinian territory have also surfaced as the Israeli ground offensive unfolds. While Washington has engaged in discussions with Israel and regional partners regarding the future of Gaza, a clear plan has yet to emerge. Blinken emphasized that these discussions, including preparations for Palestinian statehood, will be part of the ongoing dialogues with Israel and Jordan. The goal is to establish the conditions for a durable and secure peace that benefits both Israelis and Palestinians.