Secretary of State Antony Blinken Criticizes Israel’s Conduct in Gaza Conflict
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. (AP) — In a bold move, Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly criticized Israel’s tactics in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that the Israeli forces’ actions have led to a “horrible loss of life of innocent civilians” without effectively neutralizing Hamas leaders and fighters. Blinken’s comments came during a series of TV interviews where he emphasized the need for Israeli forces to “get out of Gaza” and called for credible plans from Israel for security and governance in the region post-war.
Blinken expressed concerns about the resurgence of Hamas in parts of Gaza and warned that Israel’s heavy military actions in certain areas could result in a lasting insurgency, leaving the country vulnerable to chaos and anarchy. He stressed the importance of developing sustainable security and governance plans for Gaza to prevent Hamas from regaining control.
Additionally, Blinken acknowledged a recent report to Congress that raised concerns about Israel’s use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza potentially violating international humanitarian law. He highlighted the devastating impact on civilians, particularly women and children, and urged Israel to align its actions with international standards.
The Biden administration’s stance on the Gaza conflict has sparked tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with disagreements over military operations and humanitarian concerns. The issue has also become a point of contention in domestic politics, with protests on U.S. college campuses and calls from Republican lawmakers for unwavering support for Israel.
Blinken’s remarks underscore the complexity of the situation in Gaza and the challenges of finding a sustainable solution that ensures lasting peace and security for the region. As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community will be closely watching for developments and efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.