U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has landed in Saudi Arabia for a crucial visit to discuss the governance of Gaza following the recent conflict with Israel. Blinken’s agenda includes meetings with senior Saudi leaders and counterparts from five Arab states to address the future of Gaza post-war.
The top U.S. diplomat is expected to push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take concrete steps to improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The discussions will also focus on rebuilding efforts in the war-torn enclave, which has suffered extensive damage during the conflict.
The United States, along with Arab states, is advocating for a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge in Gaza, with support from the international community. This approach aims to prevent Hamas from playing a role in Gaza’s future while avoiding Israeli re-occupation of the strip.
Additionally, Blinken will explore efforts for a normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which could involve defense and security commitments from Washington. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for Palestinian statehood, a proposition that Netanyahu has previously rejected.
As Blinken continues his trip to Jordan and Israel, the focus will shift towards addressing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The U.S. State Department emphasized the importance of sustaining humanitarian aid to the region, signaling a commitment to alleviating civilian harm and ensuring the safety of aid workers.
Blinken’s visit underscores the ongoing efforts to stabilize Gaza and promote peace in the region, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the aftermath of the conflict.