According to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, the killing of Hamas leader Jahja Shinwar offers Israel a golden opportunity to secure a cease-fire agreement and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. Blinken underlined the need to seize this “opportunity” in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in Jerusalem today.
Accordingly, Blinken said, the conflict between Israel and the radical Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas must end in a way that “provides lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Blinken also stressed in the conversation that Israel must take additional steps to increase and maintain the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, Miller said. Israel must also ensure that aid reaches civilians throughout the Gaza Strip.
Chinwar’s death offers opportunities
In the conversation with Blinken, Netanyahu also said Sinwar’s death “could have a positive impact on the return of the hostages.” This was announced by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. The Iranian threat and the need for both countries to join forces against it were discussed.
The US Secretary of State also called for a “diplomatic solution” in Lebanon. In their meeting, it said the two sides discussed “the nature of the government in the Gaza Strip after the end of the war”.
Onward journey to Jordan
Blinken arrived in Israel today at the start of a trip to the Middle East. Tomorrow he goes to Jordan. There he is to discuss the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
During his last visit to Israel in August, Blinken warned that this could be the “last chance” for a US-led ceasefire plan.
