Blinken: US Presses for Cease-fire, Hostage Release in Gaza Negotiations
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken participated in a major interview on Wednesday with Christiane Baissary of the Saudi Arabian Al Hadath news channel, rearticulating current US efforts and goals both during and after Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Blinken said that the US government was not unequivocally opposed to a truce but that any cease-fire deal must be linked to the release of hostages.
He emphasized ongoing diplomatic endeavors with Qatar and Egypt to broker an agreement, address the dire conditions faced by Gazans, and enable the smooth flow of humanitarian assistance.
Responding to questions about aid distribution mechanisms, Blinken reiterated the need for diverse channels, including both maritime corridors and overland routes. He stressed the imperative for Israel to prioritize granting access to humanitarian aid to reach Gaza’s vulnerable populations, especially those in the north of the coastal enclave.
Blinken also briefly addressed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s controversial call for new elections and leadership change in Israel. “It’s for Israelis to choose their own leadership,” Blinken stated. He reaffirmed the commitment of the US to the full democratic process for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Discussing broader regional peace prospects, Blinken said he saw a unique opportunity for lasting security and peace, including the establishment of a Palestinian state, contingent on resolving the Palestinian question and ending military operations in Gaza.
On Thursday, the chief American diplomat will travel to Cairo to meet with Egyptian leaders on issues related to a potential cease-fire and barriers to rapidly increasing the flow of humanitarian aid, given what the secretary earlier called near “100% food insecurity” among Gazans.
