On Sunday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a strong rebuke of Israel’s actions during its war with Hamas in Gaza, stating that the United States wants Israeli forces to “get out of Gaza” due to the “horrible loss of life of innocent civilians.” He criticized Israel’s tactics as failing to neutralize Hamas and potentially creating a power vacuum in the Palestinian territory. Blinken highlighted the need for a clear plan to protect civilians and address the aftermath of the conflict, expressing concerns over the return of Hamas to areas cleared by Israel.
In interviews on CBS’ “Face the Nation” and NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Blinken continued to criticize Israel’s actions in Gaza. He referenced a Biden administration report to Congress that suggested Israel’s use of US-provided weapons may have violated international humanitarian law. Despite these criticisms, Blinken reiterated America’s commitment to treating Israel like any other country, including assessing compliance with international humanitarian law. He also praised President Biden’s support for Israel and highlighted his efforts to defend the country during periods of conflict.
During his interviews, Blinken condemned the loss of innocent civilian lives in Gaza and expressed concern over Israel’s offensive in Rafah. He emphasized the need for credible plans for security, governance, and rebuilding in Gaza, which he stated had not yet been provided by Israel. Blinken also mentioned ongoing efforts to work with Arab countries and other partners to develop these plans. Israel has described Rafah as a stronghold of Hamas terrorists, where more than a million Palestinians have been forced to live amid the country’s offensive push across Gaza.
The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7 after an attack against Israel by Hamas that resulted in the death of 1,200 people. Blinken’s strong remarks against Israel’s actions in Gaza underscore the Biden administration’s stance on the conflict, calling for the protection of civilians and urging Israel to provide clear plans for addressing the aftermath of the war. The Secretary of State reiterated the US commitment to treating Israel like any other country in assessing compliance with international humanitarian law, while also acknowledging President Biden’s support for Israel during times of conflict. Blinken highlighted the need for continued efforts to develop credible plans for security, governance, and reconstruction in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of addressing the ongoing crisis in the region.
Despite the longstanding alliance between the United States and Israel, Blinken’s comments reflect a shift in tone from the Biden administration regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. The criticism of Israel’s conduct and the concerns expressed over civilian casualties indicate a willingness to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The Secretary of State’s statements also underscore the complexity of the situation in Gaza and the need for international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. As the conflict continues, Blinken’s remarks signal a renewed focus on the protection of civilians and the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.
