WEST BANK: During a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed Washington’s backing for “tangible steps” towards the establishment of a Palestinian state, AFP reported.
Blinken reiterated the enduring US stance that envisions a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel. He emphasized the importance of both entities living in peace and security, as stated by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in a released statement.
Blinken addressed the “increased volatility” in the West Bank, where Palestinians have faced violence from the Israeli military and attacks by extremist Israeli settlers in recent months. The US Secretary of State’s call for tangible steps towards a Palestinian state signals ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the complex and longstanding issues in the region.
As part of efforts to bring stability to the region, Blinken called on Israel to fully transfer revenues owed to the Palestinians. He emphasized “the United States’ position that all Palestinian tax revenues collected by Israel should be consistently conveyed to the Palestinian Authority in accordance with prior agreements,” as per Miller’s statement.
Blinken Asks Israel to Protect Civilians in Gaza
This meeting comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and Blinken’s fourth visit to the Middle East since the start of Israel’s military actions in the region. Following his discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Blinken expressed the United States’ continued support for its ally. However, he also urged Israel to take further measures to protect civilians in Gaza, particularly expressing concern about the high toll on children.
Gaza’s health ministry reported an additional 70 casualties and over 130 injuries in overnight Israeli attacks, bringing the total death toll to more than 23,000, mostly women and children. The Israeli army announced the death of another soldier, bringing the total killed since the ground invasion began to 186.
