USA (Washington Insider Magazine) — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sharply rebuked Israel’s behaviour in the Gaza war, voicing one of the harshest criticisms of the Biden administration to date. Blinken stressed that Israeli tactics have meant “a “terrible loss of life” among innocent civilians, but had failed to effectively neutralize Hamas leaders and fighters and could drive a lasting insurgency..
Call for Israeli Withdrawal and Credible Plans
In televised interviews, Blinken urged Israeli forces to “get out of Gaza,” while also calling for credible plans from Israel regarding security and governance in the region post-conflict. He expressed concern over the potential for a protracted insurgency in Gaza if current military actions persist.
Risk of Long-lasting Insurgency
Highlighting the re-emergence of Hamas in certain areas of Gaza, Blinken warned of the risk of a “lasting insurgency” if Israeli forces continue their intense actions, particularly in places like Rafah. He stressed the need for comprehensive plans for security, governance, and reconstruction in Gaza, emphasizing the absence of such plans from Israel.
Concerns over Humanitarian Impact
According to Vozdeamerica, Blinken echoed for the first time publicly by a US official the findings of a new Biden administration report to Congress on Friday that said Israel’s use of US-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law.
Dialogue with Israeli Officials
Blinken engaged in discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, reiterating the United States’ opposition to the escalating offensive in Rafah due to its toll on civilians. He urged Gallant to permit aid workers to bring assistance to Gaza, where humanitarian operations are on the brink of collapse.
International Concerns and Discussions
Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, also expressed concern about a potential ground military operation in Rafah during a phone call with Israeli counterpart Tzachi Hanegbi. Discussions revolved around alternative strategies to ensure Hamas’s defeat across Gaza.
Background and Conflict Overview
The offensive in Gaza began on October 7 with a Hamas firing rockets on Israel, which resulted in losses for both sides, more substantially on the Palestinian side. Israeli military actions have resulted in grave destruction and loss of life, with humanitarian efforts severely hindered by the conflict.
Blinken’s comments came during interviews on CBS’ “Face the Nation” and NBC’s “Meet the Press,” stressing the deterioration of the situation and the necessity of diplomatic attempts to alleviate the crisis.
