US Secretary of State Blinken returns to Middle East amid Gaza crisis

Antony Blinken. Pic/AFP

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will go to the Middle East for the sixth time since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza over six months ago, the State Department announced on Saturday. Blinken's forthcoming trip will involve a visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday, followed by a World Economic Forum conference and consultations with Arab foreign ministers in Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Notably, the State Department's notice did not mention the visit to Israel on Tuesday.

Blinken's visit to the region comes after recent meetings in China with President Xi Jinping and other top officials. The prolonged battle in Gaza has had terrible implications, with over 34,000 Palestinians murdered and hundreds of thousands homeless, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region, reported the Associated Press.

Efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and secure the release of Hamas hostages have so far failed, despite continuous diplomatic initiatives sponsored by the US and Egypt. Hamas is now studying a new cease-fire plan presented by Israel, the terms of which have yet to be revealed, the report added.

According to the report, Secretary Blinken has been actively involved in shuttle diplomacy between Israel and its Arab and Muslim neighbours since mid-October. His goals include bringing humanitarian relief to Gaza, limiting further escalation of the conflict, and rallying support for postwar reconstruction efforts while recognising Israel's right to self-defence.

However, political pressure has grown in the United States, with pro-Palestinian demonstrations and concerns over antisemitism increasing. Blinken continues to speak out against Israel's large-scale military assault in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have sought safety, the report added.

Per the AP report, despite increased aid shipments to Gaza and Arab support for rehabilitation plans, attaining a long-term cease-fire remains challenging. Blinken intends to discuss ongoing efforts to ensure a cease-fire, emphasise the significance of averting further conflict escalation, and examine paths to a peaceful resolution, such as the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.

Meanwhile, tensions have risen due to recent escalation between Israel and Iran, including suspected assaults and retaliatory actions, the AP report added.