June 10, 2024, 10:22 AM
Blinken warns Israel’s post-war Gaza plan ‘imperative’
Jennifer Hansler and Kylie Atwood, CNN
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Israel’s post-war plan for the Gaza Strip was “essential” as he continued his Middle East tour calling for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The senior diplomat reiterated that talks with Israeli and Arab leaders would also prioritize planning for the end of the war in Gaza, where Israeli military attacks have caused extensive damage to infrastructure and destroyed neighborhoods.
“It’s critical that we continue to work on planning for the next days to ensure we have a plan for moving forward on security, governance and reconstruction in Gaza. That will be a key part of my dialogue in the region,” Blinken said.
Asked by CNN’s Kylie Atwood whether he was concerned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not have a plan to end hostilities, Blinken replied:
“Without such a plan, one of three things will happen: Israel will be forced to stay, which is something Israel does not want and we believe it should not do, and Israel will be held accountable in Gaza and we will probably see a major rebellion for years to come. Or, without a plan, we will be left with losses and Hamas will return. Or we will have a complete vacuum and we will just have chaos, lawlessness, crime, jihadist groups and so on. So we absolutely need a plan.”
