CNN: Blinken to meet Middle Eastern leaders in London over stability in Gaza, Lebanon

On October 25, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with key Middle Eastern leaders in London to address the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, as confirmed by a State Department official. 

Scheduled discussions include meetings with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Caliber.Az reports per CNN.

Talks with Ministers Safadi and Al Nahyan are anticipated to focus on post-conflict plans for Gaza, including strategies to establish stability, bolster security, and initiate reconstruction efforts once the war concludes.

Meanwhile, discussions with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Mikati are expected to centre on Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, which has had a significant impact on Lebanese civilians, including those in Beirut.

Addressing the ongoing conflict along Israel’s northern border, Secretary Blinken emphasised the need to prevent a prolonged military campaign in Lebanon. Speaking at a news conference on October 24, he stated, "Israel’s fight against Hezbollah cannot lead — should not lead — to a protracted campaign.” He further urged Israel to minimise harm to Lebanese civilians, the Lebanese armed forces, and UN peacekeepers stationed in the area.

London marks the final leg of Blinken’s Middle Eastern tour, which has also included visits to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Moreover, US and Israeli negotiators are set to meet in Doha in the coming days to attempt to revive talks on a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, officials reported on October 24. 

Qatar and Egypt have been mediating discussions between Israel and Hamas over recent months, though these talks stalled in August without reaching an agreement to end the conflict that began on 7 October 2023, following attacks by the Palestinian militant group on southern Israel.

Notably, on October 22, Blinken informed Israeli leaders that “much more needs to be done” to facilitate humanitarian aid for civilians trapped in besieged northern Gaza. A senior Biden administration official indicated that failure to take action could lead to implications under US law.

On the same day, Blinken held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and senior military officials during a series of meetings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

These meetings form part of a regional tour aimed at reviving diplomatic efforts following the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. Blinken's direct message to Israeli officials comes amid increasing criticism that the US has not effectively addressed the escalating civilian casualties in Gaza, as it has refrained from using its arms supply to Israel as a bargaining chip.

By Aghakazim Guliyev