Washington: Blinken Convenes with Gantz, Al Thani to Forge Ahead on Hostage Negotiations
Gantz was warned by US officials about moving ahead in Rafah before a comprehensive humanitarian plan is laid out, and reportedly said that ending the war before demilitarizing that area is "like extinguishing 80% of a fire"
Mandi Kogosowski
| 06/03/2024
Photo: Benny Gantz X (Twitter) account
Israeli minister and member of the War Cabinet, Benny Gantz, continues his visit to the US. Following a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, yesterday (Tuesday) he met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The Secretary underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, which would lead to a temporary ceasefire and allow additional humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza,” said State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, in a statement.
Blinken also “ underscored the need for a credible and implementable humanitarian plan prior to any major military operation in Rafah, given the risks to civilians,” echoing the words of VP Harris the previous day.
A similar statement came out of Secretary of Defense Austin’s office: a condemnation of Hamas’ attacks, a call for the release of all hostages, concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and a plan for protecting civilians before any ground operation in Rafah.
According to the Wall Street Journal, during his meetings with the American officials, Gantz stressed the importance of an Israeli operation in Rafah, saying “Ending the war without demilitarizing Rafah is like sending the fire brigade to exttinguish 80% of the fire.”
“Mr. Gantz had a chance to meet with senior levels all the way up to the Vice President of the United States,” said National Security Communications Advisor, Jake Sullivan, during his press briefing yesterday. “We think these — these conversations were constructive and productive and — and hope that he goes home informed by them.”
Blinken also met today with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and discussed the ongoing war and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. According to the Secretary’s press office, the two discussed “planning for a stable and secure future for the Palestinian people, and the Secretary reiterated the United States’ support for a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. “
Gantz was warned by US officials about moving ahead in Rafah before a comprehensive humanitarian plan is laid out, and reportedly said that ending the war before demilitarizing that area is "like extinguishing 80% of a fire"
Photo: Benny Gantz X (Twitter) account
Israeli minister and member of the War Cabinet, Benny Gantz, continues his visit to the US. Following a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday, yesterday (Tuesday) he met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
The Secretary underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, which would lead to a temporary ceasefire and allow additional humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza,” said State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, in a statement.
Blinken also “ underscored the need for a credible and implementable humanitarian plan prior to any major military operation in Rafah, given the risks to civilians,” echoing the words of VP Harris the previous day.
A similar statement came out of Secretary of Defense Austin’s office: a condemnation of Hamas’ attacks, a call for the release of all hostages, concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and a plan for protecting civilians before any ground operation in Rafah.
According to the Wall Street Journal, during his meetings with the American officials, Gantz stressed the importance of an Israeli operation in Rafah, saying “Ending the war without demilitarizing Rafah is like sending the fire brigade to exttinguish 80% of the fire.”
“Mr. Gantz had a chance to meet with senior levels all the way up to the Vice President of the United States,” said National Security Communications Advisor, Jake Sullivan, during his press briefing yesterday. “We think these — these conversations were constructive and productive and — and hope that he goes home informed by them.”
Blinken also met today with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and discussed the ongoing war and efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. According to the Secretary’s press office, the two discussed “planning for a stable and secure future for the Palestinian people, and the Secretary reiterated the United States’ support for a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. “
