Blinken Embarks on Middle East Tour, Scheduled to Meet Arab Leaders in Cairo
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Roshan Amiri
- . March 21, 2024
- . Update: March 22, 2024 11:17 am
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken initiates Middle East tour to secure Gaza ceasefire.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on a tour of the Middle East, starting with talks in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. His primary objective is to negotiate a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza. Blinken is scheduled to meet Arab foreign ministers and a senior Palestinian official in Cairo on Thursday, where discussions will focus on brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the spreading hunger crisis and the looming threat of famine in Gaza.
Arab nations present plans for political resolution
While the details of the Cairo meeting were not disclosed, Egyptian security sources have indicated that Arab nations will present plans for a political solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. These plans were put on hold as mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States attempted to secure a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, along with the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
Blinken’s meetings in Saudi Arabia and plans for regional peace
Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Blinken met with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Saudi foreign minister, and is expected to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions between the two diplomats centered on the urgent need to protect all civilians in Gaza and increase humanitarian assistance. This Middle East tour marks Blinken’s sixth visit to the region since Israel’s war on Gaza began in October. He aims to engage in conversations regarding the governance, security, and reconstruction of post-conflict Gaza, as well as the pursuit of lasting regional peace.
Ceasefire negotiations continue in Qatar
Negotiations for a ceasefire agreement are ongoing in Qatar, despite failed attempts to secure a deal before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Qatari officials expressed cautious optimism after talks with Israel’s intelligence chief in Doha. However, they warned that any Israeli ground operation in Rafah, southern Gaza, would setback the progress made in the negotiations. Currently, there are approximately 1.5 million internally displaced Palestinians seeking shelter in Rafah, where overcrowded camps and a lack of basic supplies, food, and medicine contribute to the dire humanitarian situation.
Blinken’s visit to Israel and addressing mounting tensions.
The US Department of State announced that Blinken will conclude his tour with a visit to Israel. During his time there, he will discuss ongoing negotiations for the release of all hostages and the need to ensure the defeat of Hamas, including in Rafah. The discussions will prioritize protecting civilian populations, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and advancing Israel’s overall security. Tensions between the US and Israel have been mounting due to rising civilian casualties in Gaza. Palestinian health officials report that more than 31,000 Palestinians, including many women and children, have been killed. The United Nations has warned of an imminent famine in northern Gaza.
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Israeli response and Biden’s pressure
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated his intention to proceed with a large-scale ground operation in Rafah, despite warnings from President Joe Biden not to do so without credible plans to protect innocent Palestinians. Preparations for the operation are underway but are expected to take some time. Facing domestic pressure to curb Israel’s military response, Biden engaged in a phone call with Netanyahu, during which they agreed to send a high-level Israeli delegation to Washington to discuss plans for the proposed Rafah operation. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is also slated to visit the US capital. Netanyahu addressed US Republican senators via video link, while Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized him as an obstacle to peace and called for new elections in Israel.
Blinken’s Middle East tour seeks to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and promote regional peace. The discussions in Saudi Arabia, Cairo, and Israel are crucial in navigating the complex dynamics and finding a path towards a lasting resolution. The continued negotiations in Qatar demonstrate a commitment to reaching a ceasefire agreement, while the mounting tensions between the US and Israel add further complexity to the situation.
