US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Israel to turn its military success in Gaza into “enduring strategic success,” while urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to deliver humanitarian aid to people in the enclave.
Israel has achieved most of its strategic objectives in Gaza by destroying much of Hamas’ military capacity there, opening the door to a lasting end to the conflict, Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv before his departure to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar creates “a real opportunity” for the return of Israeli hostages, according to the top US diplomat, who said Sinwar “was the main obstacle” to a potential hostage deal.
Speaking of the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, Blinken said some progress has been made, “but more needs to be done.” This follows a US letter to the Israeli government last week demanding they improve the situation or potentially face restrictions in military aid.
Blinken also highlighted the need to avoid wider conflict in the region, urging Israel to cool tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon while avoiding “greater escalation” in its anticipated retaliation for Iran’s missile attack on Israel in early October.
