Arab ministers, Blinken convene in Riyadh for Palestine-Israel solution
‘At the moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a cease-fire is Hamas,’ says Blinken considering the Israeli proposal as ‘extraordinarily generous’
A six-way Arab ministerial meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Monday discussed steps to implement a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
The discussions in Riyadh come amid escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where Israel continues its military operations against Hamas.
Chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the meeting, attended by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and the secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s Executive Committee, explored the importance of reaching an immediate and sustainable cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
Hussein al-Sheikh, who serves as the general secretary of the PLO and acts as a confidant of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, played a pivotal role in the discussions, serving as an intermediary in contact with Israel.
‘Israeli prosal is extraordinarily generous’
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire in Gaza and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
“The quickest way to bring this to an end is to get to a cease-fire and the release of hostages,” stated Blinken, addressing the pressing issues at hand.
He reiterated the need for Hamas to consider an Israeli proposal, describing it as “extraordinarily generous” and stressing, “At the moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a cease-fire is Hamas.”
Biden emphasizes measures to stop human suffering in Gaza
Discussions focused on ensuring the protection of civilians and facilitating access to humanitarian aid in the enclave.
“The most effective way to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, to alleviate the suffering of children, women, and men, and to create space for a more just and durable solution is to get a ceasefire and the hostages home,” emphasized a statement by Blinken.
“But we’re also not waiting on a cease-fire to take the necessary steps to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza,” Blinken added.
Blinken highlighted U.S. President Joe Biden’s insistence on Israel taking “specific, concrete, measurable steps to better address humanitarian suffering, civilian harm, and the safety of aid workers in Gaza, including in his most recent call with Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu.”
The meeting further delved into Arab efforts to garner international recognition for the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.
Palestinian placement discussion with Saudi Arabia
In Riyadh, Blinken convened with Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, to discuss ongoing efforts to reach an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The two diplomats also explored strategies for regional integration and establishing “a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.”
Regarding broader negotiations, Blinken underscored the necessity of a concrete political horizon for Palestinians, stating, “I think it’s clear that in the absence of a real political horizon for the Palestinians, it’s going to be much harder, if not impossible, to really have a coherent plan for Gaza itself.”
Cease-fire discussion with Egypt
Earlier in the day, Blinken engaged in talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to discuss negotiations for an immediate cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
The discussions also encompassed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.
Blinken to visit Israel and Jordan on Tuesday
Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks the initial leg of a regional tour that will also take him to Israel and Jordan, demonstrating ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the protracted Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
“And finally, we have to make sure that we’re focusing not just on inputs, but on impact,” Blinken said.
“All of this is going to be a focus of the next few days for me as I travel on to Jordan and Israel. I’ll have a chance to meet with humanitarian groups, with the Israeli Government, to hear from them where more work is needed, and to continue to press for tangible, immediate, and sustained progress.”
Source: Newsroom
