Blinken calls the agreement a historic step.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the agreement allowing Israelis to travel to Qatar to watch the World Cup a “historic step” that promises to “strengthen people-to-people relations and economic integration”.
FIFA announced this on Thursday, saying that the Palestinians and Israelis can use chartered flights to the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East.
The airline will operate between Tel Aviv and Doha during the international tournament, allowing Israelis and Palestinians to obtain match tickets and Hayya fan IDs to board flights from and the airport work immediately by aircraft with existing landing rights in Qatar.
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The announcement received praise from US officials.
In a tweet, Blinken said: “I appreciate FIFA’s announcement of direct flights between Qatar and Israel for the World Cup. This step strengthens people-to-people and economic ties while encouraging freedom of movement for all, Israelis and Palestinians alike.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan welcomed the announcement.
“I am happy for this important step to strengthen people-to-people relations and to include Israel in the region. We will be proud of Team USA!”
Israeli President Yair Lapid and world football’s governing body FIFA confirmed Thursday’s announcement.
