Blinken calls Arab leaders; global support for US proposal grows

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Jun 2024 03:55
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On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held phone calls with Arab leaders to discuss a ceasefire proposal for Gaza, while other global leaders, including German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, expressed strong support for the US initiative.

Palestinians salvage items from the destruction in the wake of the Israeli genocide in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip after Israeli occupation forces withdrew from the area, Friday, May 31, 2024. (AP)

On Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate phone conversations with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Jordan to discuss a proposal aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli captives being held in the Gaza Strip as part of a prisoner exchange to release Palestinians detained in Israeli occupation prisons.

According to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken conducted while Blinken was en route back to Washington from Prague.

Germany stand behind 'the Israeli offer'

In turn, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock wrote in a post on X that "the Israeli offer, which President Biden reiterated and reaffirmed today, provides a glimpse of hope and a possible path out of the war's deadlock," adding "We fully support the mediation efforts of the USA, Qatar, and Egypt."

And not surprisingly, Baerbock pointed a finger at the Palestinian Resistance noting that "It is now up to Hamas to prove their commitment to ending the conflict," despite the fact that it was "Israel" that broke international laws and agreements by conducting a genocide in the Strip.

The Israeli offer, which President Biden reiterated and reaffirmed today, provides a glimpse of hope and a possible path out of the war's deadlock. 3/4
— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) May 31, 2024

EU chief also claims support for mediation efforts

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen also voiced her support, in a post on X, for the proposal put forward by Biden saying "I wholeheartedly agree with Biden that the latest proposal is a significant opportunity to move toward an end to war and civilian suffering in Gaza. This three-step approach is balanced and realistic."

Moreover, the European Commission president noted that "It now needs support from all parties."

I wholeheartedly agree with @potus Biden that the latest proposal is a significant opportunity to move towards an end to war and civilian suffering in Gaza.

This three-step approach is balanced and realistic. It now needs support from all parties.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 31, 2024

UN Chief says all parties must 'seize this opportunity'

Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, said "We have witnessed too much suffering & destruction in Gaza. It's time to stop."

Additionally, Guterres stressed that he welcomed Biden's initiative and that he "encourages all parties to seize this opportunity for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, guaranteed unhindered humanitarian access & ultimately a durable peace in the Middle East."

We have witnessed too much suffering & destruction in Gaza. It's time to stop.

I welcome @POTUS Biden’s initiative & encourage all parties to seize this opportunity for a ceasefire, release of all hostages, guaranteed unhindered humanitarian access & ultimately a durable peace…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 31, 2024