Blinken Emphasizes U.S. Commitment to 'Ensure Sustainable Regional Peace' in the UAE

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the current situation in Gaza and its future with Arab leaders during his fourth Middle Eastern tour in three months. Blinken met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler of the emirate, in Abu Dhabi and is scheduled to meet with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, later on Monday in Al-Ula. According to Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, Blinken emphasized the United States' commitment to 'ensuring sustainable regional peace that guarantees Israel's security and advances the establishment of an independent Palestinian state' during his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed. The necessity of ending the war in Sudan was another topic discussed by both sides. On Sunday, Blinken also stated during meetings with leaders from Jordan and Qatar that the United States opposes the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and added that Israel's Muslim neighbors should play a major role in the reconstruction of Gaza after the war. Before heading to Abu Dhabi, Blinken said at a press conference in Doha, Qatar's capital: 'There is currently a significant tension facing the region. This is a conflict that can easily flare up and cause more insecurity and suffering.' A key focus of Blinken's meetings with Arab leaders is the need to reduce ongoing tensions arising from the war between Israel and Hamas in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and the Red Sea. Accompanying Blinken on this Middle Eastern tour is Tim Lenderking, the U.S. special envoy for Yemen, as the Secretary of State seeks to garner support from Arab countries in the region to counter attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on commercial vessels passing through the Red Sea. Blinken noted on Sunday in Qatar that Houthi attacks have disrupted or rerouted 20 percent of the world's shipping and have increased the costs of food and fuel. According to him, 'These attacks harm people around the world, most of whom are the poorest and most vulnerable, including in Yemen and Gaza.' The United States is forming a coalition of at least 20 countries to address Houthi attacks on vessels passing through the Red Sea. Houthi attacks and the responses of Western countries to them have become one of the challenges to the continuation of the ceasefire and peace negotiations in Yemen. Blinken is expected to travel to Israel at the end of the day on Monday to meet and discuss with officials of that country. On Sunday, he stated that during his meeting with Israeli officials, he would emphasize the importance of protecting civilian lives during Israel's invasion of Gaza. The U.S. opposition to statements by right-wing members of Israel's ruling coalition regarding the expulsion of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip is another issue that Blinken will address with Israeli leaders. The killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon, the U.S. effort to prevent the expansion of war in the Middle East; Blinken will go to Israel after the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Israel announced the completion of military operations in northern Gaza at the beginning of the fourth month of war with Hamas. Blinken in Qatar: Palestinians should be able to return to their homes after the war. Gaza officials: Two journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Israel: Hamas hides weapons and ammunition in bags with UN logos. Netanyahu: The war will continue until 'all objectives' are achieved; Hezbollah should know no terrorist is safe.