AMMAN: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas conveyed his strong rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jordan’s capital, Amman.
The Palestinian President emphasized that such displacement would be similar to a “second Nakba,” referring to the mass displacement of Palestinians in the 1948 war during Israel’s creation, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
During the meeting, Abbas stressed the urgent need for humanitarian corridors to be established in the blockaded enclave to prevent a looming humanitarian disaster amid Israeli bombardment. He underscored the importance of immediate international intervention to protect civilians and end the Israeli violence in Gaza.
Had the opportunity to meet with Palestinian Authority President Abbas to discuss the abhorrent terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel. I detailed U.S. efforts to coordinate with partners to prevent the conflict from widening. pic.twitter.com/UVNTo3aNJU
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 13, 2023
Blinken Aims Safe Exit of US Citizens from Gaza
Blinken’s diplomatic visit to the region includes negotiations aimed at the release of American captives held by Hamas and securing the safe exit of 500 to 600 US citizens or dual nationals currently in Gaza. While Blinken’s trip aims to prevent a regional escalation of the conflict, it does not involve a call for the cessation of hostilities by Israel.
Earlier in the day, Blinken met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, who echoed the call for the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow for the entry of urgent medical and relief aid into Gaza. The King emphasized the need to protect civilians and stop the escalation of Israeli violence in the region.
The conflict in Gaza has escalated significantly, with Israel conducting a military campaign to “destroy” Hamas resistance group. Israel’s military has intensified its airstrikes, dropping thousands of bombs on the Gaza Strip in recent days, resulting in the martyrdom of large number of innocent Palestinian civilians.
