U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a bustling diplomatic mission in the Middle East, focusing on the Israel-Hamas conflict. His visit to the occupied West Bank aimed to alleviate civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip and outline plans for the post-conflict future of the region. Blinken’s surprise visit to Ramallah, under heavy security, came shortly after Israeli airstrikes killed dozens in a refugee camp. Although protesters gathered to express their discontent with the U.S.’s support for Israel, Blinken’s meeting with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas concluded quietly, without any public comments. While Palestinian Ambassador Husam Zomlot admitted that the meeting had tense moments due to existing differences, he emphasized the opportunity for the U.S. to play a role in making peace between the two parties.
After his visit to Ramallah, Blinken made an unexpected trip to Cyprus, where he met with President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos. He then proceeded to Baghdad for another surprise visit, which included a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani. During the meetings, Blinken emphasized the need for accountability for attacks on U.S. personnel in Iraq, prevention of the Israel-Hamas conflict from spreading, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Blinken expressed his desire for a humanitarian pause in the fighting to facilitate the return of hostages and provide aid to desperate Palestinians. Despite these efforts, Blinken also made it clear that the attacks and threats from Iranian-backed militias were unacceptable and that the U.S. was not seeking conflict with Iran.
During his meeting with Abbas, Blinken reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and essential services to Gaza. He emphasized that Palestinians must not be forcibly displaced and discussed efforts to restore calm and stability in the West Bank, including addressing extremist violence against Palestinians. Blinken’s meeting with Abbas marked the beginning of his third day of an intensive Middle East tour, during which he showed unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself but also urged adherence to the laws of war, protection of civilians, and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
While Blinken pushed for temporary humanitarian pauses to the airstrikes and ground operations in Israel’s offensive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected this idea. U.S. officials, however, hope that Netanyahu might reconsider if convinced that it is in Israel’s strategic interests to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The increasing death toll has sparked international outrage and widespread protests, with many demanding an immediate cease-fire. Arab foreign ministers who met with Blinken in Amman demanded the same, but the U.S. stated it would not push for a cease-fire. Instead, Blinken emphasized the importance of temporary pauses in the fighting to protect civilians and facilitate aid delivery.
While discussions on Gaza’s postwar future are premature, the focus remains on ending the killings and providing steady humanitarian aid. Arab states are reluctant to play a larger role in resolving the crisis, holding Israel accountable for the civilian casualties. However, the U.S. believes Arab support will be crucial in improving conditions in Gaza and establishing a new governing authority once Hamas is eradicated. Ideas for Gaza’s future governance, including a revitalized Palestinian Authority, international organizations, and a potential peacekeeping force, have been met with limited enthusiasm.
