New Delhi- A reported delay orchestrated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman resulted in a lengthy wait for U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken before their highly anticipated meeting. The rendezvous was a key component of Blinken’s mission to garner support for addressing the ongoing violent confrontations involving Hamas and Israel.
The strategic postponement and the evident disparities in their perspectives on the “escalation” of the conflict did not deter Blinken from characterizing his talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “very productive.”
In the course of their meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman articulated a commitment to exploring pathways for conflict resolution while adhering to international legal principles. This encompassed an emphasis on lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza, a stance conveyed through Saudi state news agency, SPA.
Furthermore, the Saudi Crown Prince elaborated on Riyadh’s ongoing diplomatic endeavors to mitigate the crisis and instigate peace. These efforts involve dialogues with regional leaders, including Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.
Crown Prince Mohammed underscored the significance of securing the legitimate rights of Palestinians and achieving a just and enduring peace.
In contrast, Blinken, during his statements to the media, emphasized Israel’s prerogative to defend itself against Hamas attacks and to prevent such occurrences from transpiring in the future.
“There’s a determination in every country I went to, to make sure that this conflict doesn’t spread,” Blinken stated. “They are using their own influence, their own relationships, to try to make sure that this doesn’t happen.”
ANTONY BLINKEN ADVANCES RAFAH CROSSING OPENING
Antony Blinken embarked on a regional tour following Hamas fighters’ incursion into Israel from the blockaded Gaza Strip on October 7.
Subsequent to his discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Blinken revealed that the Rafah border crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt, “will be open.”
“Rafah will be open. We’re putting in place with the UN, with Egypt, Israel, with others, the mechanism by which to get the assistance in and to get it to people who need it,” Blinken assured.
Amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, Rafah crossing stands as the sole border gateway. Israel had sealed its two border crossings with Gaza, imposing a comprehensive blockade that led to shortages of vital resources such as fuel, water, and electricity.
Blinken’s statement prompted hundreds of Palestinians with dual nationality to gather at the sealed Rafah crossing, in hope of departing the blockaded enclave.
