The start of National Arab American Heritage Month was marked by the top US diplomat in a statement on Tuesday, acknowledging the current period as one of immense pain. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed sorrow over the more than 30,000 Palestinians, many of whom were civilians, including thousands of children, who have lost their lives in Gaza. He highlighted the grief experienced by friends and family members of Arab Americans of Palestinian descent, including those within the Department of State.
The Biden administration has faced significant scrutiny both domestically and from within the US government workforce regarding its stance on Israel and the Gaza conflict. Blinken emphasized the US commitment to working towards a resolution that would secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza and facilitate the entry of more humanitarian aid into the region.
Expressing appreciation for the dialogue with Arab American colleagues and the broader community on US policy in the Middle East, Blinken affirmed his intention to continue seeking their guidance in the pursuit of lasting peace and security in the region.
