In a brief visit to the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, reaffirmed Washington's commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state. However, the visit was dismissed by many residents as mere "theatre".

During his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, Blinken emphasized that the US position is that a Palestinian state must coexist with Israel in peace and security, according to a spokesperson. However, the visit was met with protests, where some clashed with Palestinian security forces.

Unsurprisingly, Palestinian expectations for the visit were extremely low. Many argued that the purpose of the visit was to buy time for Israel to conclude its military operation in Gaza. Atef al-Hamoud, a local government representative, commented that the visit "is solely to give the Israelis time to finish off Gaza."

Moreover, the recent war between Israel and Hamas has damaged the perception of the United States, not just in Palestine, but in all Arab countries, according to analyst Jamal Zakout. Many have criticized the US for its perceived biased diplomacy and for its unwavering support for Israel throughout the conflict.

In his meeting with Israeli officials on Tuesday, Blinken reiterated the need for the protection of civilians, increased aid delivery to Gaza, and the safe return of residents to their homes. He also called on Israel to make difficult decisions for lasting peace.

However, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to disclose detailed plans for the governance of Gaza post-conflict, despite US pressure to do so. Israel has rejected the idea of allowing the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern Gaza and the West Bank after the conflict, opting instead for local power-brokers with the Israel Defense Forces supervising the situation.

The ongoing fighting in Gaza continues to take a toll on civilians, with an estimated death toll of 23,570, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry. The territory lies devastated, and its 2.3 million population faces a dire humanitarian crisis, with many displaced.

Despite Blinken's concerns regarding civilian casualties, clashes persist in Gaza. Meanwhile, Hamas military losses stand at 186 since the beginning of the offensive, which was launched in response to Hamas militants killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Blinken expressed hope that Israel can move forward with further regional integration efforts after the conflict, following the normalization agreements brokered by the US between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

The US secretary of state also dismissed the recent case filed by South Africa against Israel at the international court of justice, accusing it of genocide. Blinken called the allegations "meritless" and drew attention to Hamas's call for the annihilation of Israel.

To achieve any political agreement after the war, unity among Palestinian factions will be crucial, according to analysts. The Palestinian Authority has expressed its willingness to play a role in Gaza but only if it is part of a comprehensive peace plan with Israel that includes the West Bank.

Hamas's popularity in the West Bank has increased during the conflict, as 85% of respondents voiced satisfaction with Hamas's role, according to recent polling. The group has earned goodwill for securing the release of Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails during a temporary ceasefire.

While the US secretary of state moves on to discuss preventing a regional escalation of the war with Bahrain's King Hamad, President Abbas will engage in talks with Jordan's King Abdullah II and Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The US continues to face calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, although Blinken has emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid. Israel has stated its willingness to facilitate aid deliveries but critics argue that the quantities remain inadequate to meet the urgent needs created by the conflict.