Blinken talks Hamas leader's assassination, Gaza crisis with Saudi and Qatari officials

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in telephone conversations with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to discuss the recent assassination of Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas's political bureau, and the implications for the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

According to written statements from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud addressed the significance of Sinwar's death and underscored the importance of continuing efforts to resolve the conflict and secure the release of all hostages, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Miller stated that Blinken also focused on the post-conflict scenario in Gaza, emphasizing strategies to ensure that Hamas does not maintain power while allowing the people of Gaza to rebuild their lives and achieve their aspirations. The two diplomats further discussed the situation in Lebanon and highlighted the urgent need to deliver humanitarian aid to all vulnerable populations.

In a separate conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani, Blinken reiterated the importance of redoubling efforts to end the conflict and facilitate the release of hostages. They also discussed plans for the Gaza Strip following the cessation of hostilities.

Israel’s military announced that its forces killed Yahya Sinwar during an operation in southern Gaza, confirming on October 17 that he was eliminated on October 16 as part of a series of targeted operations against him.

By Tamilla Hasanova