Israel will not return to the previous state but has no plans to govern Gaza, says Antony Blinken.
Secretary of State Blinken: Israel Must Find a New Solution for Gaza
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Israel cannot return to the “status quo” once the war with Hamas comes to an end. In an interview on NBC News’s Meet the Press, Blinken stated that while Israel has no plans to govern Gaza, they must address Hamas’s role as the governing body of the Palestinian enclave.
“We can’t go back to the status quo. They can’t go back to the status quo, with Hamas being in a position in terms of its governance of Gaza to repeat what it did,” Blinken said. “At the same time, what I’ve heard from the Israelis — is absolutely no intent, no desire to be running Gaza themselves.”
Blinken further explained that Israel withdrew from Gaza years ago, but they cannot continue to live under the constant threat of terrorist attacks from the region. He emphasized the need to find a solution that prevents Hamas from repeating its actions while also avoiding Israeli governance of Gaza.
American Hostages Released by Hamas
In a positive development, Hamas released two American hostages, Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Shoshana Raanan, to the Red Cross. The hostages were reunited with their families in Israel and had the opportunity to speak with President Joe Biden after their release.
Hamas had kidnapped around 200 individuals during the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on October 7, many of whom were civilians residing near the Gaza border.
Secretary Blinken acknowledged that while some of the 10 remaining unaccounted Americans may be held by terror groups, Israel continues to discover individuals who were tragically killed.
“So what we don’t know for sure is whether some of the unaccounted for are dead and have simply not been uncovered yet, or whether they are hostages, but we have a pretty strong idea that some number of the 10 at least are being held in Gaza by Hamas,” Blinken stated.
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How does Blinken propose the international community, including the United States, assist in rebuilding Gaza?
Nken has called on Israel to find a new solution for Gaza, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Blinken expressed his deep concern for the situation in Gaza and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Blinken reiterated the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself and its citizens. However, he emphasized the need for Israel to exercise restraint and take all necessary measures to prevent civilian casualties.
The Secretary of State also noted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have been displaced and essential infrastructure has been destroyed. He called on Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and to ensure the availability of basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies.
Blinken stressed the need for a long-term solution to the conflict, stating that a return to the status quo is unsustainable. He called for diplomacy and a renewed commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Blinken mentioned the United States’ intention to work with international partners, including the United Nations, to facilitate negotiations and to provide assistance in rebuilding Gaza.
The Secretary of State acknowledged that finding a solution for Gaza is not an easy task, but stressed the importance of addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. He highlighted the need to address the political, economic, and social grievances of the Palestinian people to achieve a lasting peace.
Blinken concluded his remarks by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to the security and prosperity of Israel, as well as the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people. He expressed his hope that both sides would seize the opportunity to work towards a better future for all.
In response to Blinken’s statement, Israel’s Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, welcomed the United States’ support while emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defense. He assured that Israel would continue to take all necessary measures to protect its citizens. However, Bennett also expressed willingness to explore diplomatic options and work towards a comprehensive solution for the region.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in immense suffering for both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. It is crucial for all parties involved to step back from violence and engage in meaningful dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. The United States, as a key ally to Israel, has an important role to play in facilitating negotiations and promoting stability in the region. Secretary of State Blinken’s call for Israel to find a new solution for Gaza reinforces the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and working towards a comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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