US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a stark warning on Sunday, expressing concerns that the ongoing conflict in Gaza could escalate, posing a threat to security across the broader Middle East. During his regional tour aimed at de-escalating tensions, Blinken addressed the press in Doha, Qatar, alongside Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The conflict, which began on October 7 with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel, has resulted in approximately 1,140 deaths, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. In response, Israel has undertaken a relentless bombardment and ground invasion, leading to a reported death toll of at least 22,835 people in Gaza, with a majority being women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
Blinken stressed the critical need for Israel to prioritize the protection of civilians, urging that military operations should be designed with a focus on safeguarding civilian lives and facilitating humanitarian assistance where needed. As the conflict has led to a deepening humanitarian crisis and mass displacement in Gaza, Blinken emphasized that civilians should be allowed to return home as conditions permit and should not be pressured to leave the region.
Expressing his condolences for the deaths of two Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza, which the network attributed to Israel, Blinken referred to it as an “unimaginable tragedy.” He acknowledged the loss experienced by innocent Palestinian men, women, and children due to the conflict.
Blinken’s regional tour included stops in Jordan, Turkey, and Greece before arriving in Qatar. Following his stay in Qatar, he proceeded to Abu Dhabi, and on Monday, he is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, Blinken is expected to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the city of Al-Ula.
Qatar, hosting the largest US military base in the Middle East, has a significant role in the region. The country also serves as the main residence for Ismail Haniyeh, the self-exiled leader of Hamas. Blinken revealed ongoing talks between Qatar and Hamas on a potential truce in Gaza, with US backing. Qatar previously mediated a one-week break in fighting in November, resulting in the release of hostages and the entry of aid into Gaza.
However, Sheikh Mohammed noted that a recent strike in Lebanon, resulting in the death of Hamas’s deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri, had impacted the truce negotiations. Despite the challenges, he expressed determination, stating, “Yet we are not giving up. We are moving forward.”
Blinken’s warnings of the Gaza conflict potentially spreading and threatening wider regional security underscore the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and pursuing diplomatic solutions. The ongoing discussions for a truce, coupled with geopolitical complexities, highlight the intricate challenges in seeking a resolution to the conflict.Blinken
