“Hamas has an extraordinarily generous proposal before it. You must now decide and decide quickly”, argued Blinken from Saudi Arabia, where he is participating in the World Economic Forum, taking the opportunity to thank Egypt and Qatar for their mediation efforts.
The head of US diplomacy reiterated his country’s “firm support” for Israel, while recalling that Washington will do everything to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
Blinken lamented that the population of Gaza was involved in a “terrible exchange of fire provoked by Hamas” and reiterated his rejection of the possibility of the Israeli Army launching an offensive against the city of Rafah, on the border with Egypt, without a plan to ensure the protection of civilians.
“We have clearly said that, in the absence of a plan so that civilians are not harmed, we cannot support an offensive against Rafah,” insisted Blinken, adding that the United States is not yet aware of this plan from the Israeli authorities.
Blinken also highlighted “the need to be prepared for a day-after plan in Gaza”, including aspects related to security, governance, humanitarian aid and reconstruction.
The US Secretary of State also defended that one of the paths facing the Middle East region is the full integration of Israel into the region, but allowing “Palestinians to see their legitimate aspirations for a State satisfied”.
“The alternative path is an endless cycle of insecurity”, assured Blinken, who recognized that “everyone involved must make difficult decisions for the future”.
Blinken acknowledged that the United States and Saudi Arabia have carried out “intense work in recent months” with a view to a possible normalization of relations between Riyadh and the Israeli Government.
Blinken’s trip to Saudi Arabia is part of a new diplomatic tour in the region that will also take him to Israel and Jordan.
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