On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Israel to take advantage of the recent developments in its conflict with Hamas, specifically following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and significant losses suffered by the group. He emphasized that Israel has achieved key objectives, including the dismantling of Hamas as a military entity and the elimination of much of its leadership.
Blinken stressed the importance of now shifting focus towards retrieving the remaining hostages in Gaza and bringing the conflict to an end. “Now is the time to turn those successes into an enduring strategic success,” he stated, highlighting the necessity for a clear plan for Gaza’s future that excludes both Hamas and Israeli occupation.
He also urged Israel to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, particularly in the northern region where conditions are dire. While acknowledging some progress, he insisted that more needs to be done.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 42,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza, displacing most of its population. Blinken indicated that rebuilding Gaza would require significant international effort.
The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has yet to articulate a comprehensive vision for Gaza after the war, focusing mainly on dismantling Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. Concerns persist among Palestinians about potential plans for forced displacement to increase Israeli control in the region.
Blinken reiterated that the US opposes any Israeli occupation of Gaza and conveyed assurances from Netanyahu that such plans do not exist. “It’s been U.S. policy, it will remain U.S. policy,” he affirmed.
