After a series of meetings with high-level Israeli officials, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reached an agreement to initiate a United Nations-led assessment mission.
The mission aims to facilitate the return of civilians who have been displaced by warfare in northern Gaza, ultimately working towards restoring a sense of normalcy in the besieged enclave.
UN Assessment Mission in Northern Gaza
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addresses a press conference in Tel Aviv on January 9, 2024, during his week-long trip aimed at calming tensions across the Middle East, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.
"As the situation in northern Gaza calms down and the Israel Defense Forces reduce their presence, a plan has been agreed upon for the UN to conduct an assessment mission," stated Blinken during a press conference in Tel Aviv., as per ABC News.
The secretary of state said the assessment will identify the necessary measures to ensure the safe return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in the north. Blinken vigorously defended Israel against genocide allegations made by South Africa at the International Court of Justice, stating that the case diverts attention from crucial conflict-related endeavors.
During one of his many visits to Israel, Blinken publicly expressed some criticism of the government, specifically addressing the opposition from right-wing officials towards the creation of an independent Palestinian state. He urged them to reconsider their actions that may hinder the Palestinians' ability to govern themselves effectively.
The secretary was also questioned about the recent statements made by two Israeli ministers regarding the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. The State Department strongly criticized these statements, deeming them "inflammatory and irresponsible" just last week.
Blinken stated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given him reassurances that the government's position did not involve forcibly resettling Palestinians beyond the enclave's border. However, gaining permission from the Israeli government to investigate options for those displaced within Gaza's perimeter was anything but certain.
According to US officials, the Israeli government has been hesitant to permit outside assistance into Gaza since the war began. They are concerned that such aid could unintentionally support Hamas fighters. Adjusting the country's position often necessitates direct diplomacy with top cabinet members.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East noted that a significant number of individuals in the Gaza Strip, representing the majority of its population, have experienced displacement at various times throughout the conflict.
The agency has faced significant challenges in providing humanitarian assistance in northern Gaza and communicating information about the conditions in the area since the start of the conflict. In closed door meetings, Blinken discussed Israel's plans to scale down its campaign and reiterated the unwavering support of the Biden administration in its fight against Hamas until the designated terrorist group is no longer a threat.
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Blinken Refutes Genocide Accusation Against Israel
Meanwhile, Israel is facing serious allegations of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The lawsuit was filed by South Africa at the end of December. Blinken dismissed the accusation as baseless, stating that the lawsuit diverts attention from the ongoing conflict and undermines the seriousness of the threats faced by Israelis and Jews.
The conflict erupted on October 7as Hamas initiated an assault on southern Israel resulting in the loss of 1,139 lives, as reported by Israeli authorities. According to Palestinian officials, the recent events in Gaza have resulted in significant destruction and a tragic loss of life, with a large number of casualties among women and children.
Blinken suggested that the war could have come to a close on October 8 had Hamas chosen to relinquish their weapons and free the hostages. Israel has reported that a significant number of individuals, who were taken captive by Palestinian armed groups on October 7, are still being held in Gaza.
Tragically, a number of individuals have also lost their lives while in captivity.In a meeting earlier today, Blinken emphasized the need to prevent additional harm to civilians and safeguard civilian infrastructure in Gaza, as reported by the US Department of State.
The secretary of state expressed optimism that Israel would be able to continue its pursuit of regional integration after the war, building on its recent normalisation agreements with the UAE and other countries, which were brokered by the US.
Several dozen protesters gathered outside the hotel where Blinken was holding discussions and called for a ceasefire to secure the release of the captives.
During the conversation, Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized to Blinken the importance of exerting more pressure on Iran. He stressed that this approach is crucial in order to prevent any potential escalation in the region.
"It is crucial to increase the pressure on Iran in order to prevent further escalation in the region," stated Gallant in a government release, according to Aljazeera.
Heightened tensions arose on the Israel-Lebanon border on Tuesday as the Israeli army and the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah engaged in a series of exchanges. During his visit to Jordan, Blinken expressed significant concern about the situation along the Lebanese border, raising fears of a potential escalation in the region.
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