WASHINGTON: The escalating Israel-Hamas conflict and rising concerns of a regional war, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to embark on his fourth crisis trip to the Middle East. The trip, commencing Thursday evening from Washington, will include visits to Israel and potentially other Arab countries, according to an anonymous US official.
Blinken’s visit comes amidst heightened fears following a suspected Israeli strike that killed a top Hamas leader in the suburbs of Beirut. The incident raised concerns of the conflict expanding into a broader regional war. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the need to prevent further escalation, stating that it is not in the interest of any country in the region or the world.
The trip marks Blinken’s fourth to the region and fifth to Israel, excluding a visit accompanying President Joe Biden, since the attack inside Israel on October 7 by Hamas. The retaliation triggered a significant response, and the situation has continued to intensify.
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Recent events, including bomb blasts in Iran during a commemoration event, added complexity to the regional dynamics. The United States denied involvement in the blasts, describing them as a “terrorist attack.” Meanwhile, the Biden administration’s support for Israel, both diplomatically and with weapons, has drawn criticism from parts of the Arab world and the left-wing base of the Democratic Party.
The administration’s stance on Israel has been accompanied by expressions of concern regarding civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and provocative statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. The State Department has specifically criticized Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for advocating the removal of Gazans from the Palestinian territory.
As Blinken embarks on this crucial trip, the region remains at a critical juncture, with diplomatic efforts crucial to de-escalating tensions and finding a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict.
