US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has assured Jordan’s King Abdullah that the United States opposes the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the occupied West Bank. This assurance came during a meeting between the two leaders, where the king raised concerns over displacement caused by Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in the displacement of a significant number of Gaza’s residents. Aid workers on the ground have reported that much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, and its 2.3 million residents are on the verge of starvation. King Abdullah expressed his concerns about this dire situation to Blinken.
During their meeting, Blinken emphasized the US’s opposition to the forcible displacement of Palestinians from both the West Bank and Gaza. He also highlighted the critical need to protect Palestinian civilians in the West Bank from extremist settler violence. The State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, stated that Blinken stressed these points to King Abdullah.
The situation is not limited to Gaza alone, as violence has also erupted in the West Bank. A deadly clash occurred in the city of Jenin on Sunday, further escalating tensions in the region. King Abdullah urged Blinken to use US influence to pressure Israel into an immediate ceasefire, warning of the catastrophic repercussions if the war in Gaza continues.
Blinken’s visit to Jordan is part of his tour of the region, which comes amid heightened fears that Israel’s offensive against Hamas could lead to a broader regional conflict. The recent drone strike in Beirut that killed a senior Hamas leader and the exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah across its northern border with Lebanon have added to these concerns.
After meeting with King Abdullah, Blinken traveled to Qatar for meetings with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. In Doha, discussions will focus on efforts to secure the release of over 100 hostages believed to be held by Hamas. The United States is seeking the involvement of Israel’s Arab neighbors in the reconstruction, governance, and security of Gaza, with the expectation that Israel’s assault will eliminate Hamas.
The United States’ stance against the forcible displacement of Palestinians and its efforts to protect Palestinian civilians in the West Bank are significant. Blinken’s visit to the region demonstrates Washington’s commitment to finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict and its recognition of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
By engaging with regional leaders and seeking their involvement in the reconstruction and governance of Gaza, the United States aims to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent future escalations. The release of hostages held by Hamas is another crucial aspect of these efforts.
As Blinken continues his tour, the international community will be closely watching for any progress made towards a ceasefire and a sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United States’ role in these negotiations is pivotal, and its commitment to protecting Palestinian civilians and opposing displacement is a step in the right direction.