Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers strong rebuke of Israel’s actions in Gaza conflict
In a bold move, Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly criticized Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. During TV interviews on Sunday, Blinken expressed deep concern over the “horrible loss of life of innocent civilians” and called for Israeli forces to “get out of Gaza.”
Blinken’s comments mark one of the Biden administration’s strongest rebukes of Israel since the conflict began. He highlighted the failure of Israel’s tactics to neutralize Hamas and warned of a potential power vacuum in the Palestinian territory.
The Secretary of State also addressed the U.S. decision to withhold high payload bombs to Israel, emphasizing the need for a clear plan to protect civilians and a strategy for post-conflict stability in Gaza.
Blinken’s remarks come in the wake of a new Biden administration report to Congress, which found that Israel’s use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law. The Secretary of State condemned the loss of innocent lives and stressed the importance of holding all countries, including allies like Israel, accountable for their actions.
Despite the criticism, Blinken praised President Biden’s unwavering support for Israel, noting the President’s efforts to defend the country during the conflict. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan for security, governance, and rebuilding in Gaza, urging Israel to work towards a sustainable solution.
As the conflict continues to escalate, Blinken’s strong stance against Israel’s actions underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to upholding international law and protecting civilian lives in the region. The Secretary of State’s words send a clear message that the U.S. will not tolerate actions that violate humanitarian principles, even from close allies.