US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to make "difficult decisions and choices" to facilitate regional integration. After a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Blinken urged Israel to take additional measures to safeguard those in Gaza, expressing concern over the excessive toll on civilians, especially children. Despite this, he refrained from explicitly calling for a ceasefire.
During his meeting with the Head of the Autonomous Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken aims to address governance reforms. This is part of broader U.S. initiatives to garner regional support for postwar plans in Gaza, including tangible steps toward establishing a Palestinian state. Blinken has indicated securing commitments from several regional countries for Gaza's reconstruction and governance after Israel's conflict with Hamas. It is noteworthy to mention that the autocratic, Western-backed Palestinian leadership lacks legitimacy in the view of many Palestinians.
In response to Blinken's visit, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated that there is no fundamental change in the U.S.'s position. He expressed the view that "There are no differences between Israel and the Americans."
