News Article:

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made his third visit to the region since the Israel-Palestinian war began on October 7. During his visit, Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to account for the safety of Palestinian civilians before resuming any major military operations in Gaza. This came as negotiators from Qatar and Egypt were engaged in difficult talks to extend the recent week-long truce between Hamas and Israel.

While the Biden administration initially expressed unconditional support for Israel's response to the Hamas attacks, the rhetoric has gradually shifted as the number of Palestinian civilian casualties has risen dramatically. Blinken's message aligns with this shift and highlights the importance of Israel complying with international law to protect civilians.

The devastating toll of the conflict in Gaza has drawn widespread international criticism. Since October 7, over 15,000 Palestinians, including more than 6,000 children, have been killed in Gaza. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports that at least 7,000 people are still missing or feared buried under the rubble, with over 36,000 Palestinians wounded, many facing life-altering injuries. With most hospitals in Gaza out of service, access to treatment is becoming increasingly challenging for the injured.

Despite Blinken's repeated trips to Israel and meetings with Israeli leaders, Ibrahim Abusharif of Northwestern University in Qatar remarked that it does not seem to be making any significant difference. Abusharif criticized the early unconditional support from the Biden administration, calling it a "genocidal war." He argued that while Blinken may attempt to soften his rhetoric and apply pressure, it cannot bring back the lives lost in Gaza.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken assured him of US support but underscored the need for Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law. He called on Israel to take every possible measure to avoid civilian harm and emphasized the imperative of accounting for humanitarian and civilian protection needs in southern Gaza before any military operations there.

Later, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby reiterated Washington's support for Israel's right to go after Hamas, as they continue to find support from the United States. Blinken also raised the issue of settler extremists accountable for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and highlighted the importance of resuming the peace process for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Blinken's visit also included meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank to discuss efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza and condemn Jewish settler attacks against Palestinians. Abbas presented Blinken with a comprehensive file documenting alleged Israeli occupation crimes in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.

The top US diplomat is expected to conclude his Middle East tour in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, where he will discuss the Gaza situation with Arab leaders attending the COP28 United Nations climate change conference.

As Israel and Hamas agree to a third extension of the truce, under which Hamas releases Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the dwindling number of civilians held in Gaza raises concerns about the need to renegotiate the terms of the ceasefire.