US Secretary of State Blinken urges Israel to pursue long-term strategic success, highlighting need to end war in Gaza and ensure delivery of humanitarian aid
TEL AVIV / BERLIN — During his visit to Tel Aviv, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized that Israel must look beyond its recent tactical victories against Hamas and focus on achieving lasting strategic success. He urged Israel to work towards an agreement that would end the ongoing conflict and secure the return of hostages.
Blinken stated that he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials, where he pressed the Israeli government to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, warning that failure to do so could result in a reduction of US military assistance.
He also cautioned Israel to avoid further escalation, advising it to take actions that do not intensify the conflict. Blinken highlighted a significant opportunity for Israel to move toward normalizing relations with Saudi Arabia.
In related news, during his meeting with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani at the Government Guest Palace in Meseberg, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed gratitude for Qatar’s mediation efforts in securing the release of hostages from Gaza and brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Both leaders stressed the importance of further diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace, emphasizing the need to revive a political process aimed at a two-state solution.
Scholz also expressed hope that the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar might provide an opening for negotiations.