What’s happening:
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has embarked on an intensive diplomatic tour in Turkey to address the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas, and broader regional tensions that threaten to deepen the conflict.
Why it matters:
The situation has deteriorated with new fronts opening outside of Gaza – in Lebanon, northern Israel, the Red Sea, and Iraq. These developments challenge the US’ efforts to prevent a regional explosion of violence in an already unstable situation following the recent war. This visit, Blinken’s fourth in three months, highlights the urgency of de-escalation and the need for strategic dialogue with key players in the region.
The backdrop:
The conflict reignited following a massive incursion on October 7 by Hamas, leading to significant casualties and Israel’s subsequent military response. The war has left parts of Gaza in ruins and the international community is looking for pathways to deliver aid and plan reconstruction. Secretary Blinken is meeting with Turkish leaders to solicit support and address the influence of Iran’s proxies in the ongoing tensions.
On the ground impact:
Hamas reports suggest a devastating toll of over 22,700 deaths in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict, a figure that mixes civilian and combatant fatalities. Meanwhile, Israel states it has eliminated 8,500 terrorists. The war’s implications extend beyond immediate casualties, disrupting international trade through Red Sea attacks and raising global economic risks.
The challenge ahead:
Blinken’s itinerary underscores the complexities faced in this trip. Discussions with Turkish President Erdogan are expected to cover the harsh criticism from Turkey regarding Israel’s actions and its repercussions on Palestinian civilians. Another agenda item includes the NATO membership ratification for Sweden, with Turkey’s approval pending.
Blinken’s broader mission:
Following Turkey, Blinken will head to Greece, Jordan, and other Middle Eastern countries to fortify alliances and seek consensus on Gaza’s future. These meetings signal the US’s commitment to leading tough diplomatic engagements and to managing the intricate web of interests that surround the current crisis.
US stance on aid and military operations:
Blinken will advocate for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and call for a scaling back of military operations while also addressing issues related to violence in the West Bank. The Secretary’s efforts also involve encouraging Gulf Arab nations to collaborate on settling Gaza’s unrest and creating long-term stability in the region.
Bottom line:
This mission exemplifies the challenging balancing act the US faces in managing its diplomatic relations in the Middle East and the urgent necessity of addressing the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, with broader implications for regional and international stability.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.