The United States and its allies are already evaluating the future of Gaza amidst the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Mr. Blinken made these remarks during an Oct. 31 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in response to questions from Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii).
The senator inquired about the U.S. plan for Gaza, a region with a population of over 2 million people, emphasizing the importance of determining the end state before formulating military strategies.
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“What are we even fighting towards if we don’t know what the political objective is?” the senator questioned.
In response, Mr. Blinken acknowledged that the Biden administration is actively grappling with the next phase of the conflict. He emphasized that discussions are ongoing within the government and with regional allies and partners.
“Everyone is focused not only on the current situation in Gaza, but also on where this conflict is headed. We aim to bring about a fundamental and significant change in the security for Israel and the situation for Palestinians,” he stated, referring to the destructive impact of Hamas on Palestinian lives.
A girl stands behind the metal mesh that covered the window of a building that was hit by Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Oct. 31, 2023. (Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images)
‘Fundamental Change’ Needed for Gazans
“We need to see a fundamental change in the circumstance of Palestinians living in Gaza and we need to see a fundamental change, I think, in the circumstance for Palestinians that gets to a state of their own,” the secretary of state added.
Mr. Blinken’s comments came ahead of his visit to Israel on Friday, where he will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli government officials.
During the visit, Mr. Blinken will reaffirm U.S. support for Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism and discuss efforts to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, according to a statement from the State Department.
Additionally, Mr. Blinken will work towards securing the immediate release of hostages and increasing humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
While the Biden administration stands by Israel in the face of Hamas attacks, it has no intention of deploying U.S. troops to Gaza for peacekeeping purposes. The administration also does not support permanently relocating Gaza civilians outside of Gaza.
Meanwhile, Egyptian leaders, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, oppose relocating Palestinians in Gaza to the North Sinai province.
Displaced Palestinians, who fled their houses amid Israeli strikes, wait at a food distribution point as they shelter in tents set up in a United Nations-run center, in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip on Oct. 26, 2023. (Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images)
Hamas Cannot Run Gaza, US Warns
Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N., Gilad Erdan, has also stated that Israel has no interest in permanently occupying Gaza once Hamas is eliminated.
Secretary Blinken emphasized that Hamas cannot be allowed to govern Gaza after the conflict ends.
“We cannot return to the status quo with Hamas in control of Gaza. Israel also cannot run or control Gaza. This is not their intention, nor is it something that would be supported,” Mr. Blinken asserted.
The United States and its allies are exploring alternative options that would be most effective, he added. One potential solution involves a revitalized Palestinian Authority assuming governance and security responsibilities for Gaza.
Since 2007, Hamas has governed Gaza after ousting the Palestinian Authority.
However, achieving this goal in a single step will likely prove challenging, Mr. Blinken acknowledged. Temporary arrangements involving various regional countries and international agencies may be considered to provide security and governance for Gaza.
“Ultimately, though, what this administration believes is the imperative of achieving two states for two peoples,” Mr. Blinken concluded. “This is where sustained security for a Jewish and democratic state of Israel can be ensured, while also fulfilling the rights of the Palestinian people.”
How can the international community prioritize and address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza?
Secretary Blinken acknowledged the complexity of the situation in Gaza and emphasized the need to address the underlying issues that contribute to the ongoing conflict. He highlighted the importance of engaging with relevant stakeholders, including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and international partners, to find a sustainable solution.
In assessing the path forward for Gaza, several crucial factors need to be considered:
Humanitarian Crisis: Gaza is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with limited access to essential services such as electricity, healthcare, and clean water. Any future plan must prioritize addressing these urgent needs and improving the living conditions of the Palestinian population.
Security Concerns: The security situation in Gaza is a significant challenge. As long as armed groups continue to operate in the region, the threat of violence and instability persists. Any solution must ensure the disarmament and demilitarization of these groups to establish a secure environment for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Economic Development: Gaza’s economy has been severely impacted by the conflict and the blockade imposed by Israel. A viable future plan should include measures to promote economic development and create job opportunities for the people of Gaza, reducing dependence on external aid.
Political Resolution: Finding a lasting political resolution is essential to achieve stability in Gaza. This entails addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, including the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, the status of Jerusalem, and the rights of Palestinian refugees. Any plan must work towards a just and comprehensive solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both parties.
International Support: The future of Gaza requires substantial international support and engagement. The United States and its allies can play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue, providing humanitarian aid, and supporting the implementation of a sustainable plan for Gaza. Cooperation from regional actors, such as Egypt and Jordan, is also vital in this process.
In conclusion, the future of Gaza depends on a comprehensive approach that addresses the humanitarian crisis, security concerns, economic development, political resolution, and international support. Secretary Blinken’s acknowledgment of the need to evaluate the path forward is a step towards finding a sustainable solution for the region. It is imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being and aspirations of the Palestinian people, while also ensuring the security and prosperity of Israel. With collective efforts and genuine commitment, a brighter future for Gaza is within reach.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has prompted the United States and its allies to evaluate the future of Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed this matter during an October 31 Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, where he responded to inquiries from Senator Brian Schatz regarding the U.S. plan for Gaza. Senator Schatz stressed the importance of determining the end state before formulating military strategies, highlighting the need for a clear path forward.
Secretary Blinken acknowledged the complexity of the situation in Gaza and emphasized the necessity to address the underlying issues that contribute to the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the importance of engaging with relevant stakeholders, including Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and international partners, to find a sustainable solution.
To effectively assess the future of Gaza, several crucial factors must be considered. Firstly, the region is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with limited access to essential services such as electricity, healthcare, and clean water. Any future plan must prioritize addressing these urgent needs and improving the living conditions of the Palestinian population
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