In a diplomatic effort to address the aftermath of Israel's war in Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, in the occupied West Bank. The two leaders engaged in discussions about plans for Gaza's reconstruction and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Blinken's visit marks his fourth trip to the region since the conflict in Gaza began on October 7. Prior to the meeting, the US diplomat had expressed his commitment to minimizing civilian harm in Gaza and increasing the delivery of aid to the enclave. These points were reiterated during his visit to Israel.

The US Department of State released a statement highlighting Blinken's support for a Palestinian state and his encouragement of administrative reforms within the Palestinian Authority (PA). President Abbas, in turn, emphasized the importance of preventing the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank.

However, Blinken's visit was met with protests, as a group of demonstrators held signs with messages such as "Stop the genocide" and "Free Palestine." Some clashes broke out between the protesters and Palestinian security forces in riot gear.

While Blinken was in Ramallah, Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, rejected his presence in the region, stating that it aimed to support the security of Israel. Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri criticized the US official's attempts to justify what they called "genocide" committed by the Israeli occupation army against Palestinian civilians.

During a surprise trip to Bahrain following the meeting, Blinken discussed the role of regional powers in the post-conflict Gaza scenario. He emphasized the need to ensure the security of Israel while also providing a pathway for Palestinians to establish their own state. Blinken mentioned that Abbas expressed his willingness to engage in efforts towards reforming the Palestinian Authority to take control of a united Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's response to Blinken's appeal for a Palestinian state, the US Secretary of State declined to provide details. However, he emphasized that Israel would need to make difficult decisions to take advantage of the opportunity offered by regional integration.

Violence in the occupied West Bank has surged since October 7, with at least 314 Palestinians, including 81 minors, killed, according to figures from the United Nations. In a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, both leaders emphasized the need to increase pressure to end Israel's aggression in Gaza and protect civilians.

The leaders of Jordan and Egypt also rejected any Israeli plans to separate Gaza from the West Bank, emphasizing that the two entities were integral to a future Palestinian state. They further expressed their rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their lands. Egypt has seen an increase in border crossings from Gaza due to the ongoing conflict.

Secretary Blinken's visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories follows his visits to other Middle Eastern allies, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Blinken highlighted that these countries desire closer relations with Israel, but only if it is accompanied by a practical pathway to a Palestinian state.