On October 15, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the positive outcome of his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. This diplomatic engagement was particularly crucial, given the imminent Israeli ground invasion in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and ongoing efforts by the United States to manage the escalating conflict, Reuters reports.
Blinken, in response to a Reuters reporter's question, described the meeting as "very productive" as he returned to the U.S. delegation's hotel. During their discussions, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized the importance of finding ways to halt the conflict and uphold international law. This included addressing the Israeli blockade on Gaza, as reported by the Saudi state news agency SPA.
SPA mentioned that the crown prince underscored the need to establish a path to peace that would secure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and achieve a just and lasting peace. Blinken's meeting with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler occurred at a critical moment when the region teetered on the edge of further escalation in the Gaza Strip, which is home to 2.3mn Palestinians and bracing for an Israeli ground offensive.
Blinken embarked on his most extensive Middle East trip to date, actively engaging with Arab allies to prevent the conflict from escalating into a broader regional crisis and to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas militants. Israel had vowed to eradicate Hamas in retaliation for a recent rampage by its fighters in Israeli towns, resulting in casualties among men, women, and children and the taking of hostages. This attack was one of the worst instances of violence against Israeli civilians in the country's history.
Late on October 14, Iran issued a warning about "far-reaching consequences" if Israel's bombardment continued unchecked.
The meeting between Blinken and the Saudi Crown Prince, held at the Crown Prince's private farm residence, lasted for just under an hour, according to a U.S. official. Following the meeting, the U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated "The Secretary highlighted the United States' unwavering focus on halting terrorist attacks by Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, and preventing the conflict from spreading." Miller also noted that both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting civilians and advancing stability in the Middle East and beyond.
Blinken commenced his tour in Israel on October 12, expressing strong U.S. support for the country's efforts against Hamas. His next stop is expected to be Egypt. In the Gaza Strip, local authorities reported over 2,300 fatalities, including a significant number of children, and nearly 10,000 injuries. Rescue workers continued their search for survivors after nighttime air raids, and an estimated one million people had reportedly been displaced from their homes.
On October 14, Blinken also met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan in Riyadh and, before their meeting, emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilians on both sides of the conflict. He mentioned collaborative efforts to establish safe zones in Gaza and create humanitarian assistance corridors to reach those in need.
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