Blinken Calls for Strategic Resolution in Gaza Post-Sinwar

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to leverage recent victories in Gaza to conclude the conflict and ensure a strategic resolution. With Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar eliminated, Blinken emphasized the need to release hostages and formulate a clear plan for the future of Gaza without Hamas or Israeli control.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel to capitalize on the opportunity to conclude the Gaza conflict following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and the substantial weakening of the group's capabilities. Blinken noted that Israel had fulfilled several objectives by dismantling much of Hamas as a military entity and removing key figures from power, including Sinwar.

During a briefing before his departure for Riyadh, Blinken underscored the importance of transforming these achievements into an enduring strategic triumph, emphasizing the urgent need to bring Gaza hostages home and to finalize the war with a forward-looking plan. He stressed that the future of Gaza must be charted out with clear strategies ensuring the absence of both Hamas and Israeli control.

Blinken further addressed the humanitarian crisis, calling on Israel to enhance aid delivery to civilians in dire circumstances. He highlighted that significant international efforts would be required to rebuild Gaza post-conflict. While acknowledging progress, Blinken insisted that more needed to be done, especially in northern Gaza, encouraging evacuations as ongoing Israeli operations continue. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the U.S. stance against any Israeli re-occupation of Gaza, echoing assurances received from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies.)