Oct. 13 (UPI) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Israeli-Gaza conflict with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah II in separate meetings in Amman, Jordan on Friday.
Blinken shared on social media that he and Abbas talked about “the abhorrent terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel.”
“I detailed U.S. efforts to coordinate with partners to prevent the conflict from widening,” Blinken said.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that Blinken discussed efforts to prevent the conflict from escalating and expressed the U.S. commitment to cooperation with the Palestinian leadership.
“The Secretary thanked President Abbas and his team for their work to calm the situation for the benefit of Palestinians, Israelis, and the tens of thousands of Americans who also call the West Bank home,” Miller said.
In his meeting with King Abdullah, Blinken stressed the importance of preventing the conflict from spreading and negotiating the release of hostages.
“The Secretary emphasized that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination and discussed ways to address the humanitarian needs of civilians in Gaza while Israel defends itself from terrorism,” Miller said.
“The secretary reaffirmed the strength of the bilateral partnership and the U.S. commitment to Jordan’s security and economic prosperity and expressed enduring U.S. appreciation for Jordan’s special role in Jerusalem and as a force for stability in the region.”
In separate meetings, Abbas and Abdullah worked to distance the Palestinian Liberation Organization from Hamas. Abbas emphasized the PLO’s commitment to non-violence and international legitimacy, peaceful resistance, and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the pre-1967 borders.
Abbas also called for an end to aggression against Palestinians and additional humanitarian aid, including the restoration of water and electricity that had been cut off by Israel.
Blinken’s meetings with Abbas and Abdullah followed his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they both condemned alleged war crimes committed by Hamas during the ongoing conflict.
Blinken emphasized that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people and that innocent civilians should not suffer due to the actions of the group.
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