Ismail Haniyeh, the political bureau chief of the Palestinian group Hamas, has called on U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to prioritize halting Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza during his regional tour.
The attacks have reportedly resulted in the death of over 22,000 people and widespread displacement, hunger, and disease. Haniyeh emphasized the need for Blinken to learn from past mistakes and reconsider the blanket support provided by the U.S. to Israel.
In a video message, Haniyeh urged Blinken to focus on putting an end to the aggression and the occupation of all Palestinian territories. He further called on officials from Arab and Islamic countries, whom Blinken is set to meet during his tour, to highlight the interconnectedness of the Palestinian cause with the future and stability of the region.
"The [Palestinian] people and resistance won't accept the occupation to keep suffocating us," Haniyeh asserted.
Blinken commenced his regional tour in Turkey, with planned visits to Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, and the West Bank until January 10.
In response to the situation, Blinken expressed his commitment to engaging in additional diplomacy on the Gaza issue, urging the protection of civilian life and emphasizing the importance of securing the release of hostages and ensuring sustained delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
The Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have persisted since the October 7 cross-border incursion by Hamas, contributing to the ongoing tensions in the region.