JERUSALEM: The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday reiterated US opposition to an Israeli attack on the crowded Gaza city of Rafah in talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to press ahead, a US official said, AFP reported.
This reaffirmation of US policy comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with Netanyahu vowing to proceed with the operation despite American objections.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed Blinken’s stance on Rafah, stating that the Secretary of State had emphasized the US position during the meeting with Netanyahu. Blinken, who embarked on his seventh trip to the Middle East since October 7, held extensive talks with the Israeli Prime Minister, both privately and with accompanying aides, during the two and a half hour meeting held at Netanyahu’s Jerusalem office.
Central to Blinken’s agenda was the pursuit of a potential Israel-Palestinian ceasefire agreement, aimed at halting the ongoing hostilities and securing the release of hostages. However, Netanyahu’s declaration on Tuesday to proceed with the Rafah operation, regardless of any potential ceasefire deal, has complicated diplomatic efforts.
During the meeting, Blinken reportedly conveyed that it is Hamas that is obstructing progress towards a ceasefire, underscoring the challenges in reaching a diplomatic resolution amid ending hostilities.
In addition to ceasefire negotiations, Blinken advocated for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of an impending famine. Blinken emphasized the need for sustained efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
Meanwhile, amidst diplomatic efforts, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Since October 7, Israel’s relentless bombardment campaign has killed at least 34,568 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run territory.
