Washington, 9 October 2023 (TDI): Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in crucial phone conversations with both the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, and the UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, regarding the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine. on October 9, 2023.
During the call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Secretary Blinken expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Israel following the attack by Hamas. This marked their second phone call since the crisis between Israel and Palestine intensified.
Blinken appreciated Turkey for its continuous engagement in seeking a resolution and discussed the United States’ efforts to halt the Hamas attacks on Israel. Additionally, they discussed the urgent need to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, taken during the initial attack on Israel.
In another call with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Secretary Blinken shared perspectives on the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, as well as other regional developments.
Sheikh Abdullah stressed the importance of both conflicting parties taking responsibility for their actions and emphasized the bad impact of the conflict on the broader region.
Both officials agreed on the necessity of continued consultations and they also underscored the international efforts for de-escalation, and conflict management. They highlight the need for taking measures to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
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The recent escalation between Palestine and Israel began with Hamas launching an operation named Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, involving the firing of rockets and the capture of several Israelis.
According to Hamas officials the operation was initiated in response to the desecration of Al-Aqsa mosque and escalating settler violence.
In retaliation, Israel initiated an operation named “Sword of Iron” and conducted airstrikes on the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attacks. The Israeli government formally declared a state of war against Hamas in response to this unexpected assault on Israel.
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