New Delhi, Mar 21: Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, embarked on his sixth visit to West Asia against the backdrop of escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
With the region gripped by conflict, the residents demand peace more so in the month of Ramadan to address the dire situation where scarcity of food and essential items continues.
Blinken’s visit began with a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan revolved around strategies to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to humanitarian aid and explored avenues for increasing support amidst the ongoing conflict.
From Saudi Arabia, Blinken proceeded to Cairo, Egypt, where he engaged with Arab officials to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The talks aimed to garner regional support for initiatives to halt the violence and initiate post-war recovery efforts. With each passing visit, Blinken emphasized the need for a sustainable solution to the crisis, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes and fostering long-term stability in the region.
However, amid diplomatic manoeuvres, the situation on the ground remained dire. Israeli military operations continued near Gaza’s Al Shifa hospital, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
Meanwhile, the siege on al-Aqsa Hospital has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with over 100 individuals killed. Additionally, Israeli attacks across Gaza have claimed the lives of 60 Palestinians within the past 24 hours, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.