Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during their meeting in Jeddah. The meeting addressed efforts to halt military operations in Gaza and address their security and humanitarian implications, as well as updates on regional and international matters of mutual interest. They also reviewed bilateral relations and areas of joint cooperation, according to "WAS."
Earlier today, the Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian city of Rafah with his U.S. counterpart, Antony Blinken, emphasizing the importance of achieving an immediate ceasefire. The statement indicated that the Saudi minister and Blinken discussed all efforts to ensure the delivery of urgent humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
In addition, the U.S. State Department mentioned in a statement that Blinken emphasized "the importance of close coordination with regional and international partners to find a solution to the conflict in Gaza and prepare for the post-conflict phase." Blinken reaffirmed "the United States' commitment to achieving sustainable peace by establishing an independent Palestinian state while providing security guarantees for Israel." The two sides also discussed the importance of ending the conflict in both Sudan and Yemen.
Blinken's sixth trip to the Middle East comes as he arrived in Saudi Arabia today to discuss efforts to reach a truce in the Gaza War amid increasing tension in Washington's relationship with its ally Israel. Blinken is scheduled to visit Cairo today after concluding his visit to Saudi Arabia, and he will visit Israel on Friday.
The U.S. State Department did not announce the planned visit to Israel until after Blinken's arrival in Saudi Arabia and did not immediately clarify the reasons for omitting the stop in Israel from the itinerary.
