Blinken pushes for ceasefire-hostage deal in talks with Israeli leaders
"We yearn for the immediate return of the hostages; this is and should be the top priority of the international community," Blinken declared
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel on Wednesday, holding a series of meetings with Israeli officials, while also planning to oversee the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
His day began meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, during which Blinken emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and a prisoner swap deal between Israel and the Hamas terror group.
"We're determined to get a ceasefire that brings the hostages home, and to get it now," Blinken asserted. "And the only reason that that wouldn't be achieved is because of Hamas."
Blinken stressed that there should be "no delays, no excuses" for refusing the proposed deal, emphasizing that the time for action is now. He underscored the importance of prioritizing the immediate return of the hostages, calling for unanimous support from the international community in this endeavor.
"We yearn for the immediate return of the hostages; this is and should be the top priority of the international community," Blinken declared.
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While acknowledging Israel's efforts to defend its citizens and promote regional stability, Blinken also highlighted the need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of providing assistance to the people of Gaza who are suffering due to the conflict.
"At the same time, even as we're working with relentless determination to get the ceasefire that brings the hostages home, we also have to be focused on people in Gaza who are suffering in this crossfire of Hamasโs making, and so focused on getting them the assistance they need,โ Blinken stated.
During the meeting, Blinken also condemned efforts to use international legal forums, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), against Israel. He characterized such efforts as a threat to democracies and peace-loving nations, urging allies and friends to reject any attempts to undermine Israel's fight against terrorism.
"Israel has a very strong legal system, very strong adjudication and law enforcement system, and it has pursued legal steps from the highest authorities in this land to any other citizen," Blinken asserted.
Following his meeting with Herzog, Blinken traveled to Jerusalem where he had a one-on-one meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then an expanded bilateral meeting with Israeli and American officials and staff.
The top U.S. diplomat also met with Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid. In a social media post, Lapid wrote that he assured Blinken that the Israeli people were in support of whatever deal would see the hostages released, and reiterated his promise to give the prime minister political backing if needed.
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Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant also hosted U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in southern Israel. The itinerary included stops at Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community ravaged by a brutal Hamas attack on October 7th, and Kerem Shalom, a pivotal crossing facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Throughout their discussions, both leaders underscored the importance of enhancing the flow of humanitarian support into Gaza while emphasizing their commitment to combating Hamas, a ruthless terrorist organization.
Minister Gallant reiterated, "We are fighting Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization. We are not fighting the civilians in Gaza, and we will facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid." He further emphasized their unwavering determination to dismantle Hamas and secure the safe return of hostages.