GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP — After three months of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a critical mission to the Middle East on Sunday, amid concerns that the volatile region could spiral into a broader war. As Blinken made his way to Israel after a stop in Jordan, the Israeli military suggested that major combat operations in north Gaza might be winding down. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that while achievements in that area would be consolidated, the focus would now shift to the central and southern parts of the territory.
The Biden administration has consistently urged Israel to exercise restraint in Gaza. The offensive was launched in response to brutal attacks by Hamas on Israeli border communities starting on October 7, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, the majority of whom were civilians. During the conflicts, Hamas also took about 240 people hostage. In return, Israel conducted retaliatory strikes in Gaza, which is home to 2.3 million Palestinians. The ongoing strikes have resulted in more than 22,700 deaths and 58,000 injuries, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his position that the war will only end once Hamas is crushed and all hostages are returned. In a cabinet meeting, he emphasized that this is not only their responsibility but also the obligation of anyone involved.
Blinken’s current mission is his fourth in recent months. It comes at a time when tensions in Lebanon, northern Israel, the Red Sea, and Iraq have heightened fears of a more widespread conflict. Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah, in response to the targeted killing of a top Hamas leader, fired rockets at northern Israel just hours before Blinken’s meetings on Saturday. Additionally, attacks by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial shipping in the Red Sea have further exacerbated tensions.
During his visit, Blinken met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. The king urged the U.S. to demand an immediate cease-fire and warned of the catastrophic consequences of the war. Blinken stressed the U.S.’s opposition to the displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza and the need to protect Palestinian civilians from settler violence.
Among Blinken’s priorities during the trip is a call for Israel to reduce its military offensive and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also visited the World Food Program’s warehouse in Jordan’s capital, where aid is being prepared for transportation to Gaza.
Following his stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West Bank before concluding his trip in Egypt. He acknowledges that these conversations are challenging due to differing perspectives and requirements but stresses that engaging in diplomacy now is essential for the future of Israelis, Palestinians, and the region as a whole.
In recent developments, a young Palestinian girl was killed in the West Bank when Israeli police shot two suspected attackers. This incident adds to the escalating violence in the occupied territory since the start of the war. The number of Palestinians killed as of January 5 in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, reached 315, with the majority of deaths attributed to Israeli forces.
Throughout the conflict, the Neutra family has endured the pain of having their son, Omer Neutra, held hostage by Hamas. Omer, an American, was captured on October 7 after deferring college to spend a year in Israel and subsequently joining the Israeli army. His parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, have been tirelessly advocating for their son’s release, keeping his absence alive in their daily lives.
In summary, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the Middle East comes as the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its third month. His mission aims to de-escalate tensions and push for a cease-fire while emphasizing humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. The ongoing violence in the region has resulted in significant loss of life and heightened concerns of a broader conflict. The Neutra family continues to endure the heart-wrenching wait for news of their son, who remains held captive by Hamas. The situation in the region remains highly volatile as the international community strives for a peaceful resolution.