The US Secretary of State warns that the conflict in Gaza may “metastasize” to more parts of the Middle East.
Germany’s foreign minister appeals to Israel to reduce the intensity of military operations in Gaza.
A noticeable desperation and slight irritation marked the actions of the American Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the intensive tour of the Middle East.
– This is a moment of deep contradictions in the region. This conflict can easily metastasize, creating further uncertainty and even more suffering, Blinken said at a press conference in Doha next to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Blinken used the expression of when a cancer spreads, indirectly referring to the dangers of the conflict spreading in Lebanon and along the coast of the Red Sea.
The message is similar to the actions that Blinken made during the round trip where he visited Turkey, Greece and Jordan before Qatar. Then the US Secretary of State’s trip to Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia continues.
Protect civilians
It was also telling that the US Secretary of State stood next to Qatar’s leader who has played a key role in negotiations with terror-labeled Hamas.
The negotiations led to some release of those taken hostage during the terror-labeled Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October. But since then, Israel’s attacks on Gaza have continued.
Nor has a resolution in the UN Security Council been heard by Israel’s leadership.
Blinken therefore strongly emphasized that it was of the utmost importance that Israel “protect civilians” in military operations and to ensure that “humanitarian support is provided to those who need it” and that civilians must be allowed to return home as soon as possible possible.
– They cannot and must not be forced out of Gaza, Blinken said according to the AFP news agency.
German criticism
Even Germany’s foreign minister, the environmentalist Annalena Baerbock, used strong expressions to persuade Israel to soften the military efforts in Gaza.
– The suffering of many innocent people cannot continue as it is now, Baerbock said during his visit to Jerusalem on Sunday, reports AFP.
Blinken also repeated the many civilian tragedies that the war between Hamas and Israel has caused.
– There are unimaginable tragedies that have befallen far too many innocent Palestinian men, women and children, he said.