US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday called for the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip and Israel as he intensified his diplomatic outreach across the Middle East to rally an international response to prevent the Israel-Hamas war from escalating. In his meetings with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh and the United Arab Emirates, Blinken sought ways to help civilians caught in the conflict and address the growing humanitarian crisis. He also reached out to his Chinese counterpart as Palestinians attempted to flee from targeted areas in Gaza.
Blinken’s efforts reflect the global concern for the safety of civilians and the potential consequences of a protracted war. While the Biden administration has not publicly called on Israel to restrain its response, it has emphasized the country’s commitment to following the rules of war. During his visits with Saudi and UAE leaders, Blinken highlighted the need for humanitarian assistance and safe passage for those wishing to leave Gaza.
Should Israel launch a ground assault, the plight of civilians in Gaza, who already lack basic necessities like power, clean water, and access to aid, would worsen. Egyptian officials announced the reopening of the southern Rafah crossing to allow foreigners to exit Gaza. Palestinians have been advised to move south to avoid Israel’s continuing offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza City.
Blinken also reached out to China, asking for its support in preventing the war from spreading. While the response from the Chinese Foreign Minister is unknown, the United States believes that both countries share an interest in regional stability. In his meetings with Saudi and Qatari leaders, Blinken stressed the need to protect civilians in both Israel and Gaza.
The US did not request Israel to slow down its evacuation plan, but discussions emphasized the importance of considering the safety of civilians in the process. An agreement in principle was reached among Egypt, Israel, and Qatar to allow Palestinian Americans and other dual citizens in Gaza to cross the Rafah border into Egypt. However, by the evening, it was uncertain whether these individuals would be allowed to leave.
Prince Faisal emphasized the need for an end to the violence between Israel and Hamas and called for concerted efforts to break the cycle of recurring violence. While in Abu Dhabi, Blinken visited the Abrahamic Family House, a symbol of interfaith unity, where he signed a tile with the words “Light in the Darkness.”
Blinken’s upcoming itinerary includes a return to Saudi Arabia and a stop in Egypt. He has already visited Israel, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain.
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