Blinken: Israel Aimed at Hamas, Not Palestinian Civilians
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Israel's military objective in Gaza was Hamas, not Palestinian civilians, though many suffered. He stressed the need to acknowledge both Israel's security needs and Palestinian suffering. Blinken reiterated that a two-state solution, with a secure Israel and a sovereign, potentially demilitarized, Palestine, is the only way to resolve the conflict.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Antony Blinken stated Israel's goal in Gaza was Hamas, not Palestinian civilians.
- Blinken acknowledged that many Palestinians suffered as collateral damage.
- He stressed recognizing both Israeli security needs and Palestinian suffering.
- Blinken asserted a two-state solution is the only path forward.
- He proposed a demilitarized Palestinian state for Israel's security.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Israel's intention in Gaza was to target Hamas operatives, not Palestinian civilians. Speaking at a General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America in Washington, Blinken acknowledged that while Israel's goal was Hamas, "unfortunately, too many people got caught in the middle and suffered as a result." He added that Israel sometimes took "the minimum necessary steps" to avoid civilian harm, distinguishing this from an intent to harm or eliminate them.
Blinken emphasized the need to recognize both Israel's right to respond to the October 7th attacks and the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. He asserted that the only lasting solution to the conflict lies in diplomatic efforts and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Addressing those who advocate for the elimination of either Israelis or Palestinians, Blinken stated, "Guess what? Israel is not going anywhere. And guess what? Neither are they." He stressed that with 7 million Jews and 7 million Arabs and Palestinians in the region, the conflict will never be resolved, and Israel will never be secure, unless this reality is acknowledged and acted upon.
Concluding his remarks, Blinken expressed his belief that the path forward requires both a secure Israel and a sovereign Palestine. He suggested that a demilitarized Palestinian state could be a way to ensure Israel's security and prevent Palestinian society from becoming extremist, calling it a difficult but achievable goal if there is a will to pursue it.
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