International

Blinken Warns Israel: Escalation Hinders Civilian Return

Published

3 months ago

Sep 27, 2024.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Israel on Thursday that an escalation of the conflict involving Lebanon would further complicate the return of civilians on both sides of the border.

Despite calls for restraint, Israel rejected international appeals for a ceasefire with Hezbollah and continued its military operations, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.

Hundreds have been killed in Lebanon as the strikes continue, prompting concerns from Washington, Israel’s closest ally, and other nations.

Even as Israel pressed ahead, the U.S. and France remained committed to a proposed 21-day truce, with negotiations ongoing, including discussions on the sidelines of a United Nations meeting in New York.

“The Secretary discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on the 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border,” stated the U.S. State Department, summarizing talks between Blinken and Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

Blinken emphasized that escalating the conflict “will only make that objective (of civilian return) more difficult.”

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In addition to addressing the conflict with Hezbollah, Blinken also pressed Israel on the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and to improve humanitarian aid delivery to the enclave, where the 2.3 million residents face severe displacement and hunger.

U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposed three-phase ceasefire plan for Gaza, presented on May 31, remains stalled, primarily due to disagreements over Israel’s continued presence in the Philadelphi corridor on Gaza’s border with Egypt and issues regarding the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

As violence continues, Washington faces increasing criticism both at home and abroad for its support of Israel during the intensifying conflict with Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have led to significant casualties in recent days.

Critics argue that the U.S. has failed to use its influence to push Israel toward a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, amid the ongoing hostilities.

The recent surge in violence stems from the events of October 7, when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing around 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports.

Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza have since claimed the lives of over 41,000, as reported by Palestinian health officials.

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