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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has engaged in diplomatic meetings with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, reiterating the urgent need for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and advocating for ‘a two-state solution’, as announced by the US Department of State.
These meetings, occurring over the past two days, mark Blinken’s sixth visit to the Middle East since the onset of the war.
During his discussions with the Saudi crown prince in Jeddah, Blinken emphasized the critical importance of addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, as stated by the State Department.
“Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to achieving a lasting resolution to the Gaza crisis and to the establishment of a future Palestinian state, ensuring security for Israel,” the statement added.
Blinken proceeded to Cairo, where he met with senior Egyptian officials, including el-Sisi.
“Secretary Blinken and President el-Sisi engaged in talks regarding negotiations for an immediate ceasefire lasting at least six weeks and the release of all hostages,” the State Department reported.
In a joint press briefing with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry later that Thursday, Blinken outlined the US vision for Gaza post-conflict.
“Gaza cannot be utilized as a hub for terrorism. The displacement of its population is unacceptable, as is any re-occupation by Israel,” the US diplomat asserted to reporters.
As United Nations experts warn of an impending famine in Gaza due to Israel’s blockade, President Biden has cautioned against leveraging humanitarian assistance to Gaza as a bargaining tool.
Earlier this week, the White House cautioned Israel against launching a significant ground assault on Rafah, urging restraint.
Blinken echoed this sentiment on Thursday, labeling a Rafah invasion as a “misstep”.
Despite the escalating Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza, the Biden administration continues to extend financial and diplomatic support to Israel, collaborating with Congress to secure over $14 billion in additional aid.
Washington has also blocked three UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire, instead focusing on achieving a temporary halt to hostilities to facilitate the release of captives taken from Israel and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
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