US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Reuters File
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s go to to Israel amid the continuing Israel-Hamas struggle has dropped at gentle the harrowing realities confronted by civilians within the area, in addition to the safety issues that proceed to escalate.
“I’ve seen a baby, an infant riddled with bullets. Soldiers beheaded. Young people burned alive in their cars or in their highway rooms. It almost defies comprehension,” Secretary Blinken expressed anguish on the barbarity of the Hamas assault on 7 October in southern Israel.
“So, we did see, photographs and videos that, the Israeli government shared with us… It’s hard to find the right words. It’s beyond what anyone would ever wanna imagine much less actually see and god forbid experience,” stated Blinken on horrific pictures of the Hamas assault.
He additionally make clear the challenges posed by Hamas’ use of civilians as human shields, which has been a recurring and deeply troubling tactic. Blinken emphasised that civilians will not be the goal of Israel’s operations in Gaza.
“On the Mediterranean situation in Gaza, I think it’s first important to remember a fundamental issue that makes this complicated. Hamas continues to use civilians as human shields. Something that’s not new, something that they’ve always done intentionally putting, civilians in harm’s way to protect them to try to protect themselves or protect their structure or protect their weapons… Civilians should not be used in any way as the targets of military operations. They are not the target of Israel’s operations,” added the US Secretary.
Moreover, Secretary Blinken mentioned efforts to deal with the humanitarian wants of the individuals dwelling in Gaza whereas safeguarding them from hurt throughout Israel’s authentic safety operations geared toward defending itself from terrorism. He additionally explored the probabilities of offering protected passage for civilians who want to go away Gaza, acknowledging the significance of defending harmless lives.
“We did discuss ways to address the humanitarian needs of people living in, Gaza to protect them from harm while Israel conducts its legitimate security operations to defend itself from terrorism and to try to ensure that this never happens again. We also talked about, possibilities for safe passage for civilians who want to leave or get out of the way, in Gaza, and that’s, a conversation to the discussion that we will pursue, in the coming days, including some of the countries that we’ll be visiting…,” he stated.
In his discussions with Israeli management, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed america’ unwavering help for Israel’s proper to defend its individuals and its dedication to forestall a recurrence of the tragic occasions that unfolded not too long ago.
Secretary Blinken, on behalf of President Biden, additionally emphasised the significance of stopping any additional fronts within the ongoing battle and warned in opposition to any makes an attempt by state or non-state actors to use the state of affairs.
“It’s our determination and, that of Israel as well, that not be a second front or a third front. And we are working, as hard as we can, working with other partners in the region, to try, to ensure that the case. President Biden has also been very clear that no one, state or non-state actor should try to take advantage of this moment…,” Blinken stated.
The US is actively aiding Israel at its request and is dedicated to offering the mandatory help for the nation’s safety efforts.
“President’s been very clear we stand with Israel. We stand with Israel in its determination to defend its people, defend its country. We stand with Israel in its determination to do everything possible to ensure that what happened on Saturday never happens again,” he added.
Earlier within the day, Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked Blinken and the US for his or her steady help and added that the safety and defence of the Israeli individuals is the best precedence for the time being.
“One thing is clear. Because of that day – it’s the highest number of Jews ever killed since the Holocaust – I think we must be clear that this is not only unacceptable, which the president said, but the sense of security and defence that the people of Israel deserve is something which is of highest priority so that these pictures will never occur,” Herzog stated.
Blinken additionally met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and affirmed US’ dedication to help Israel.
“The message that I bring to Israel is this – you may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side,” The Occasions of Israel quoted Blinken as saying.
He added, “That’s the message that President Joe Biden delivered to the prime minister from the moment that this crisis began”.
Notably, the loss of life toll in Israel for the reason that Hamas assault on 7 October has jumped to 1,300 and a few 3300 have been injured, together with 28 in crucial situation and 350 in critical situation, The Occasions of Israel reported citing Hebrew media reviews.
The destiny of an estimated 150 individuals kidnapped and brought to the Gaza Strip through the assault by Hamas remains to be unclear, the report stated.