Turkish FM Fidan and US’ Blinken discuss Gaza, Lebanon at G20 summit

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the G20 summit. The discussion focused on efforts to end Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, according to the U.S. State Department.

Focus on Gaza and Lebanon

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that Fidan and Blinken addressed the necessity of a diplomatic resolution to Israel‘s war in Lebanon. They emphasized implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 to enable displaced residents on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

The two diplomats also discussed ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza, underlining the importance of ending the conflict and securing the release of all hostages.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Rio de Janeiro on the margins of the G20 conference.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in Lebanon that fully implements United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and allows citizens on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

They also discussed ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the need to bring the war to an end and secure the release of all hostages. They further discussed the importance of a dignified and durable peace in the South Caucasus.

Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller

Rising tensions amid humanitarian crisis

The ongoing violence in Gaza has killed nearly 44,000 people, mostly women and children, since a cross-border attack by Hamas in October last year killed nearly 1,200 people, according to official figures.

In Lebanon, Israel has launched airstrikes and ground operations against Hezbollah targets since late September, displacing over 1 million people. Efforts for a cease-fire have been bolstered by the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East Amos Hochstein, who recently visited Lebanon for talks.