U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Jordan to continue his latest diplomatic mission to increase humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza and prevent Palestinian civilian casualties as Israel intensifies its war against Hamas.
Quick Read
- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jordan: Arrived to advocate for increased humanitarian aid and civilian protection in Gaza amidst Israeli-Hamas conflict.
- Rejected Israeli Pause: Israeli PM Netanyahu did not agree to Blinken’s request for a temporary military pause after their meeting in Tel Aviv.
- Blinken’s Schedule: To meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and foreign ministers to discuss the Gaza situation.
- Diplomatic Tensions: Jordan recalls its ambassador to Israel, signaling a diplomatic rift that challenges Blinken’s mission.
- Strategic Talks: Blinken’s discussions aim at long-term prospects for Gaza post-Hamas if Israel’s operation succeeds.
- Israeli Cease-Fire Stance: PM Netanyahu refuses any cease-fire in Gaza until the hostages taken by Hamas are released.
- Casualty Figures: The conflict has resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,400 individuals in the initial attack and over 9,200 Palestinians due to subsequent Israeli military actions.
The Associated Press has the story:
Blinken arrives in Jordan, will meet with King Abdullah II, others on Sat.
Newslooks- AMMAN , Jordan (AP)
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Jordan to continue his latest diplomatic mission to increase humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza and prevent Palestinian civilian casualties as Israel intensifies its war against Hamas.
Blinken, whose call for Israel to temporarily pause some military operations to allow assistance in and foreign nationals out appeared to be rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after they met in Tel Aviv earlier Friday, will meet Jordan’s King Abdullah II and the foreign ministers of Jordan and perhaps other Arab nations on Saturday.
Earlier this week, Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel and told Israel’s envoy not to return to Amman at least until conditions in Gaza have improved, further complicating Blinken’s efforts.
In addition to aid distribution, allowing foreigners out of Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, Blinken is looking to persuade Jordan and other Arab states to begin thinking about the future of Gaza — if and when Israel succeeds at eradicating Hamas.
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU RULES OUT CEASE-FIRE UNTIL HAMAS FREES HOSTAGES
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a temporary cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, saying he will press ahead with a devastating military offensive until hostages held by the Hamas militant group are released.
Netanyahu spoke shortly after meeting Friday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who pressed Israel for a temporary pause in its offensive to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Blinken also urged Israel to do more to protect civilians from its attacks.
In a statement, Netanyahu said Israel is continuing with “all of its power” and “refuses a temporary cease-fire that doesn’t include a return of our hostages.”
Hamas kidnapped about 240 people in its Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the Israel-Hamas war. The attack killed about 1,400 people, while over 9,200 Palestinians in Gaza have died in Israeli strikes that began the same day, according to Palestinian health officials.
