According to a report from The Washington Post, the scheduled meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faced significant delays before eventually taking place the following day. The purpose of this meeting was to bolster support against the violent attacks perpetrated by Hamas in Israel.
The Washington Post report sheds light on the fact that Secretary of State Blinken had to endure extended waiting times due to the actions of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, further emphasizing the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding this encounter. Nevertheless, despite the reported delay and some differences of opinion regarding the "escalation" of the conflict, Blinken expressed optimism about the meeting's productivity during interactions with reporters.
During this meeting, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman addressed the need to find avenues for resolving the conflict and upholding international law. This included the prospect of lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza, as outlined by the Saudi state news agency, SPA. Moreover, the Crown Prince informed Blinken about Riyadh's diplomatic endeavors aimed at mitigating the crisis and achieving peace. These efforts involved discussions with regional leaders, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Furthermore, Crown Prince Mohammed emphasized the importance of Palestinians securing their legitimate rights and forging a just and lasting peace. The discussion encompassed several complex facets of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the diplomatic efforts involved.
In contrast, Blinken, in his communication with the press, asserted that Israel has the right to defend itself against the attacks initiated by Hamas. He expressed a commitment to ensuring that the current conflict does not escalate further and stated that various countries are mobilizing their influence and relationships to prevent its spread.
Antony Blinken embarked on a regional tour following the intrusion by Hamas fighters into Israel, commencing on October 7. His diplomatic endeavors included a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, during which he announced the forthcoming opening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. This decision is significant because Rafah represents the only border crossing available amid the Israel-Hamas war. Israel has sealed off its two border crossings with Gaza, effectively imposing a "complete siege" on the densely populated territory, causing severe shortages of vital supplies such as fuel, water, and electricity.
Following Blinken's statement, hundreds of Palestinians with dual nationality gathered at the closed Rafah crossing with Egypt, hoping to leave the blockaded enclave. The situation at Rafah exemplifies the urgency of addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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