Palestinian President Abbas Refuses Meeting with US Secretary of State Blinken

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has refused to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, citing unfulfilled promises and tense U.S.-Palestinian relations. Abbas also rejected a U.S. request to delay a UN membership vote, further straining the relationship between the Palestinian Authority and the United States.

Blinken is currently visiting Israel and met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as part of his efforts to rein in the ongoing Gaza conflict. He said he would share what he had heard in talks with Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, as he seeks a longer-term approach to the decades-old Israel-Palestinian conflict.

However, the conflict has continued, with heavy fighting in southern Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis worsening. The conflict in Gaza has killed more than 34,000 people and displaced 1.7 million, with many families forced to flee their homes multiple times. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to launch a ground invasion into the southern Gazan city of Rafah, a move that could undermine ceasefire efforts.

The U.S. has been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with Blinken touring the region to discuss humanitarian aid for Gaza. Blinken is pressing Hamas to accept a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. The U.S. military is also helping to build a pier in the Mediterranean Sea off the Gaza Strip to facilitate the delivery of aid.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with over 80% of Gaza's population displaced. The refusal of Palestinian President Abbas to meet with Secretary of State Blinken highlights the strained U.S.-Palestinian relations and could further complicate efforts to achieve a ceasefire and provide critical aid to those impacted by the war.

The conflict has also spread beyond Gaza's borders, with Hezbollah firing rockets across the Israeli border from Lebanon in support of Hamas. South Africa has filed a lawsuit in the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocidal actions against Palestinians. As the war rages on with no end in sight, the international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Key Takeaways

• Palestinian leader Abbas refuses to meet US Sec. Blinken, cites unfulfilled promises
• Blinken visits Israel, seeks to rein in Gaza conflict, share findings with Arab allies
• Gaza conflict kills 34,000+, displaces 1.7M, Israel plans ground invasion of Rafah
• US pushes for ceasefire, builds pier to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza
• Conflict spreads beyond Gaza, with Hezbollah firing rockets, South Africa suing Israel