US Secretary of State to visit Israel and West Bank
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s diplomatic visit to Israel and the West Bank will continue today.
Washington played a critical role in brokering a ceasefire following the 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas which resulted in the deaths of 12 Israeli citizens from insurgent attacks and hundreds of Palestinians from heavy Israeli airstrikes indiscriminately targeting numerous buildings in Gaza.
Blinken will meet with Israeli, Palestinian, Egyptian and Jordanian government officials during his current Middle Eastern tour to discuss the regional developments and possible peace plans. Blinken will also closely observe Gaza’s human rights situation while underscoring that Israel and Hamas must fully comply with ceasefire procedures.
The Biden administration will deliver immediate humanitarian support to Gaza through the UN. To ensure that Hamas does not get a hold of the aid, Washington will put in a heavy effort to monitor the equipment logistics and strive to strengthen the Palestinian Authority to administer Gaza’s reconstruction endeavors. While the US desires a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace, Washington is determined to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge. Despite facing heavy criticism from a growing number of Democratic legislators—like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—the US’s unconditional aid to Israel will continue during Biden’s presidency.
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