US Secretary of State Blinken Meets with Palestinian President Abbas to Discuss Efforts to Minimize Harm in Gaza
During a meeting with Palestinian Autonomous Government President Mahmoud Abbas, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed ongoing efforts to minimize harm to civilians in Gaza and increase the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The meeting, held in the occupied West Bank, was part of Blinken’s week-long trip to the Middle East aimed at easing regional tensions.
As part of these efforts, the United Nations has appointed Sigrid Kaag as the high-level humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza. This appointment is aimed at reducing civilian harm in the region, where Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 23,210 Palestinians and the injury of another 59,167.
In December, US intelligence revealed that nearly half of the air-to-ground munitions Israel used in Gaza were unguided. President Joe Biden stated that support for Israel’s military campaign would erode due to “indiscriminate bombing,” prompting warnings from world leaders for Israel to change its military strategy and limit civilian casualties.
Additionally, Blinken also discussed issues related to Israel’s withholding of tax revenue from the Palestinian Autonomous Government since the October 7 Hamas attacks. Under existing agreements, Israel collects tax revenue on behalf of the Palestinian government. However, since October 7, the Israeli government has refused to distribute the full amount of taxes collected, which the Palestinian Autonomous Government mainly uses to pay public employees and retirees.
The United States has emphasized its support for tangible steps toward the creation of a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, in which both can live in peace and security. The meeting between Blinken and Abbas highlights ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian and political issues in the region.