JAKARTA - United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Palestinian Authority (PA) must play a central role in the future of the Gaza Strip, when he met with President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank Sunday, amid efforts to ease the suffering of civilians in the Gaza region who were affected by the Israel-Hamas war.
Secretary of State Blinken meets President Abbas in Ramallah, West Bank. He said Palestinian views, voices and aspirations must be "at the center" of discussions about the future of the Gaza Strip.
In addition, it is important for any pause to advance several issues, including the release of hostages, he said.
"This is a process," said Foreign Minister Blinken about the push for a humanitarian pause, reported by Reuters, November 6.
Previously, Secretary of State Blinken had stated that an "effective and revitalized Palestinian Authority" would be the most sensible choice to run the government in the Gaza region.
However, he acknowledged other countries and international bodies would likely play a role in security and governance for some time.
Furthermore, he reiterated the White House's message, that no one should try to take advantage of the conflict in Gaza.
Secretary of State Blinken's meeting with President Abbas reportedly lasted about an hour.
Met with President Abbas and affirmed our commitment to delivery of humanitarian assistance and restoration of essential services in Gaza. Made clear that extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank must end and reiterated our support for a two state solution. pic.twitter.com/gax3F23ned
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 5, 2023
According to a meeting report released by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, President Abbas told Foreign Minister Blinken that Gaza was an "integral part" of the state that Palestinians want.
"We will fully assume our responsibilities within the framework of a comprehensive political solution that covers the entire West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip," explained President Abbas as quoted by WAFA.
President Abbas told Foreign Minister Blinken there should be an immediate ceasefire and aid should be allowed into Gaza, according to spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh.
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Blinken said the United States was committed to delivering aid to Gaza and restoring essential services there, said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
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"The secretary also expressed the United States' commitment to working to realize Palestinian legitimate aspirations for the establishment of a Palestinian state," continued Miller.
Secretary of State Blinken himself, according to a senior State Department official, praised President Abbas for successfully easing tensions in the West Bank, telling him he had pressured Israeli officials to take responsibility.
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