U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s fifth visit to Middle East since attack of October 2023.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has embarked on a crucial diplomatic mission to the Middle East with the aim of preventing a broader war in the region and rallying support for a peace framework for Gaza. Arriving in Riyadh on Monday, Blinken was greeted by Mohammed Al-Ghamdi of the Saudi Foreign Affairs Ministry, marking the beginning of a series of high-stakes meetings with key regional players.
The primary focus of Blinken’s visit is to advance talks on a proposal addressing the release of hostages held in Gaza, particularly more than 100 Israeli captives, in exchange for a pause in the ongoing conflict and the release of Palestinians detained in Israeli jails. As part of this diplomatic effort, Blinken is scheduled to meet with leaders in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank, engaging with pivotal figures in the negotiations over a potential ceasefire in Gaza.
Simultaneously, the Biden administration is navigating a complex geopolitical landscape, undertaking retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militias that have targeted U.S. troops. Recent military actions, including dozens of strikes in Iraq and Syria, serve as a response to the killing of three U.S. service members near the Syrian border in Jordan. Moreover, American and British warplanes, with support from allies, have conducted new airstrikes against the Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen, aimed at deterring threats to ships in the Red Sea.
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The intensification of military activities prompted Russia to call for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council, scheduled to convene on Monday afternoon. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, accused the United States of further escalating conflict in the Middle East, emphasizing the perceived aggressive nature of U.S. policy in the region.
In the context of these developments, Blinken will convey American concerns about the escalating civilian death toll in Gaza during his visit to Israel. The Gazan health ministry reports that more than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed since the attacks on October 7, with nearly two million people displaced.
Jake Sullivan, Mr. Biden’s national security adviser, emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the suffering of the Palestinian people, particularly by urging Israel to enhance humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Blinken’s discussions will extend beyond the immediate crisis, addressing the “day-after” plans for administering Gaza once hostilities cease. The potential role of the Palestinian Authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank is under consideration.
Additionally, the Biden administration seeks to make progress in fostering diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. A proposed deal includes offering Saudi Arabia a defense treaty, assistance with a civilian nuclear program, and an increase in arms sales. In return, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the United States, aims to encourage Israel to accept conditions for concrete steps toward the creation of a Palestinian state, ultimately fostering stability in the Middle East.
Secretary Blinken’s visit underscores the urgency and complexity of the issues at hand, as diplomatic efforts intertwine with escalating regional tensions and the pursuit of a lasting peace framework for Gaza. The outcome of these diplomatic maneuvers holds profound implications for the trajectory of peace and stability in the Middle East.