Secretary of State Anthony Blinken recently addressed the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza ahead of his meeting with the Qatari Prime Minister. Blinken emphasized the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in need and highlighted the role of Qatar in facilitating previous ceasefire agreements.
Blinken stated that Hamas holds the responsibility of deciding whether to engage in a ceasefire and stressed the urgency of increasing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. He commended Qatar and Egypt for their critical roles in previous ceasefire efforts and expressed gratitude for their continued support.
The Secretary of State underscored the need for Israel to maximize efforts in delivering aid to those affected by the conflict. He emphasized the unacceptable and unsustainable conditions faced by children, women, and men caught in the crossfire in Gaza.
Blinken reiterated the United States' strong support for increasing humanitarian assistance to Gaza and called for more aid crossings to ensure that help reaches those in need. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that aid reaches its intended recipients promptly.
In conclusion, Blinken praised Qatar as an exceptional partner to the United States and expressed appreciation for their collaborative efforts in addressing the crisis in Gaza. He highlighted the vital work being done together and reaffirmed the commitment to pressing for increased aid delivery on a daily basis.