WASHINGTON: Arab nations are ready to collaborate with the US on both short-term and long-term solutions for Palestinians in Gaza, but this partnership is contingent upon Israel’s willingness to participate, says the US State Department.

In an interview with MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell, the department’s spokesperson Matthew Miller reviewed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s seven-day visit to the Middle East, highlighted the willingness of Arab nations to work with the US on Palestinian issues. However, he emphasised that this cooperation depends on Israel’s commitment to the process.

“We’ve traveled to nine countries and met with leaders in each of those, securing agreements with all of these Arab partners, as well as with Turkiye,” Miller stated. “They were ready to coordinate with the United States and take real steps to improve the lives of the Palestinian people in Gaza and to rebuild Gaza, establishing Palestinian-led governance.”

Arab leaders had one condition, as Miller explained, “They were only willing to do that if they had a partner on the other side in Israel and if Israel was ready to take real concrete steps to establish an independent Palestinian state.”

Secretary Blinken’s diplomatic offensive involved visits to Turkiye, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and the West Bank. Miller noted that the recent trip was ‘different’ because Arab partners were now open to discussing reconstruction, security, and governance in Gaza.

Blinken had a “very candid conversation” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing potential partnerships Israel could gain in the Arab world by reaching an agreement on the future of Gaza.

Miller acknowledged the need for tough choices from all parties involved, stating, “It’s going to require tough choices, not just from Arab partners but really tough choices from Israel. The United States can’t make those decisions on behalf of any country.”

The US aims to play a leadership role in presenting its vision for the reconstruction of Gaza. Blinken plans to continue advocating for progress in the region during upcoming trips in the coming weeks and months.

Blinken’s tour highlighted an evolving diplomatic landscape. Arab nations, once hesitant, are now expressing a commitment to discussions regarding the welfare and future governance of Palestinians in Gaza. However, the success of these endeavors hinges on Israel’s willingness to accept the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The delicate balance of power and interests in the region underscores the complexity of finding a sustainable resolution to the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2024