He United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinkencalled on Israel to take steps to protect civilians, allow more aid into Gaza and work with moderate Palestinian leaders, stating that countries in the region will only invest in the reconstruction of Gaza if there is “a path to a state.” Palestinian”.
The US official also stated that he was “totally clear” that Palestinians must be able to return to their homes “as soon as conditions allow” and that the United States opposes any proposal to resettle them outside the territory, such as the one they have mentioned. some far-right members of the Israeli government.
Blinken also rejected South Africa’s attempt to accuse Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice, calling the accusations “baseless” and stating that they distract from the mission of improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
He argued that the attempt is “particularly shocking” given that Hamas and other Palestinian groups openly call for the extermination of Israel.
Israel continues its offensive in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israel continued its offensive in Gaza, with intense bombing and fighting that forced Palestinians to flee and hindered aid groups’ attempts to send humanitarian aid.
Blinken said he has commitments from four Arab nations and Turkey to help rebuild Gaza after the war.
However, those countries also They want to see the end of the fighting in Gaza and concrete measures for the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, something that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised he will not allow.
There remain wide differences between the United States and Israel over how the Gaza Strip will be run when—and if—its current Hamas rulers are defeated.
The American authorities have requested that the Palestinian Authoritywhich now governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank, assume control of Gaza.
Israeli leaders have rejected the idea, but have not presented a more concrete plan beyond indefinite military control over the territory.
“Israel must stop taking measures that undermine the Palestinians’ ability to govern themselves effectively,” Blinken said at a press conference on Tuesday after meeting with Palestinian leaders.
“Israel must be a partner with Palestinian leaders who are willing to lead their people and live side by side in peace with Israel,” he added.
The settler violencesettlement expansion, home demolitions and expulsions “make it harder, not easier, for Israel to achieve lasting peace and security.”
