Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a strong statement criticizing Israel’s actions in the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza. In interviews, Blinken expressed concern over the high number of civilian casualties and called for Israeli forces to leave Gaza. He also raised doubts about the effectiveness of Israel’s tactics against Hamas, warning of a potential power vacuum in the aftermath of the conflict. Additionally, Blinken addressed the issue of the US withholding high payload bombs to Israel, emphasizing the need for a clear plan to protect civilians and address the situation in Gaza after the conflict ends.
During his appearances on CBS’ “Face the Nation” and NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Blinken highlighted the findings of a recent report to Congress that suggested Israel’s use of US-provided weapons in Gaza may have violated international humanitarian law. Blinken condemned the loss of innocent civilian lives and stressed that the Biden administration treats Israel like any other country when it comes to evaluating its compliance with international humanitarian law. Despite these criticisms, Blinken acknowledged President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel during times of conflict.
Blinken praised President Biden’s actions in support of Israel, citing his efforts to defend the country during moments of crisis. He mentioned Biden’s visit to Israel during a conflict with Iran and the US’s participation in Israel’s defense against missile attacks. Blinken also highlighted the coalition of countries that came together to assist in defending Israel. In a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Blinken reiterated the US’s opposition to Israel’s offensive in Rafah due to the toll on civilians and called for credible plans for security, governance, and rebuilding in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict has forced more than a million Palestinians to seek refuge in Rafah as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza. Rafah is considered one of the last strongholds of Hamas terrorists by Israel. The war was initiated on October 7 following an attack by Hamas that resulted in the loss of 1,200 lives. Amid escalating tensions and violence, Blinken’s remarks underscore the Biden administration’s dedication to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promoting peace in the region. The need for a clear path forward, protection of civilians, and sustainable solutions remain key priorities for the US in its engagement with Israel and other stakeholders in the conflict.
