U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Engages Arab Leaders in Diplomatic Push to Curb Gaza Conflict Escalation
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarked on a diplomatic mission to the Middle East, intensifying efforts to prevent the further spread of the Gaza conflict. The seasoned diplomat engaged in crucial talks with Arab leaders, seeking regional cooperation to bring an end to the ongoing hostilities.
Blinken commenced his diplomatic tour by meeting with Abu Dhabi's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the United Arab Emirates. Later in the day, he was scheduled to hold talks in Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the oasis town of Al Ula, followed by a visit to Israel.
His discussions in Jordan and Qatar on the previous day focused on reassuring Arab officials about the United States' stance against the displacement of Palestinians outside Gaza. Blinken emphasized a desire for Israel's Muslim-majority neighbors to play a constructive role in shaping the future governance of the beleaguered region.
This diplomatic initiative marks Blinken's fourth trip to the region since the eruption of hostilities on October 7, triggered by Hamas gunmen from Gaza attacking southern Israel. The ensuing military offensive by Israel aimed at curbing the Palestinian militant group's activities in the coastal enclave.
Blinken's primary objective is to de-escalate tensions that have already spilled over into violence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. Additionally, the conflict has led to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, prompting concerns about the safety of international commercial shipping.
Accompanying Blinken is U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, as Washington seeks regional support to counter Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. In Qatar on Sunday, Blinken revealed that these attacks had disrupted or diverted nearly 20% of global shipping, potentially impacting the cost of goods, including essential commodities like food and fuel.
"These attacks by the Houthis are hurting people around the world – most of all, the poorest and most vulnerable populations, including in Yemen, including in Gaza," Blinken emphasized.
The U.S. has taken direct action against Houthi vessels and formed an international coalition involving over 20 countries to safeguard ships in the Red Sea waters near Yemen, a significant portion of which is controlled by the Houthi rebels.
The ongoing Houthi attacks and the ensuing Western response have strained a ceasefire and peace talks in Yemen, a conflict that has persisted for over eight years since a Saudi-led coalition intervened against the Houthi movement.
Blinken is set to conclude his day in Israel, where he plans to meet officials on Tuesday. He reiterated Washington's commitment to protecting civilians in the Gaza conflict and voiced objection to comments from right-wing members of Israel's ruling coalition advocating for the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza. The diplomatic efforts continue as the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions in the region.
