US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Sunday, where he met with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. The visit comes amid growing global concern over the escalating violence in the occupied territory and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
During the meeting in Ramallah, Blinken expressed his concern about the rising violence in the West Bank and reiterated the US commitment to working towards a lasting and sustainable peace in the region. This visit marks Blinken’s first trip to the West Bank since October 7 and was kept secret for security reasons.
Prior to his visit to the West Bank, Blinken had already made three trips to Israel and had also visited several other Arab nations. The United States has been a strong supporter of Israel and has advocated for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In recent statements, Blinken suggested that the Palestinian Authority should take control of the Gaza Strip, which is currently governed by Hamas. This stance aligns with the US position and that of several European and Arab countries, as well as the United Nations, who have expressed alarm over the escalating tensions in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced that its forces were operating against Hamas in Jenin and Nablus, areas in the northern part of the occupied territory. Blinken has called for “humanitarian pauses” during his Middle East tour to protect civilians and facilitate aid deliveries in the densely populated Gaza Strip, which has been heavily bombarded.
After his visit to the West Bank, Blinken is scheduled to travel to Ankara, Turkey, on Sunday evening. The purpose of his trip to Turkey has not been disclosed.
(Note: This article has been rewritten and does not reflect the original writing style or tone.)
