arab-countries-asked-antony-blinken-to-stop-israel's-offensive-in-gazaArab countries asked Antony Blinken to stop Israel's offensive in Gaza
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By Luis de Jesus

Concern is growing over clashes between Israel and Palestine. For this reason, six Arab countries called on Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, to mediate with the Israeli Army and establish a ceasefire.

This request was made by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the EFE news agency.

“Arab countries call for an immediate ceasefire and to stop this war and the murder of innocent civilians and the destruction it causes and we reject calling it self-defense,” said Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al Safadi.

He made the statements at a press conference he held in Amman with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shukri, and Blinken.

The diplomat was quite emphatic that the violent acts must end: “The murder must stop, the war crimes must stop and also the immunization of Israel from international law must end.”

Al Safadi indicated that this message was sent to Blinken during a meeting they held this Saturday with the US official in the capital of Jordan.

Destroyed buildings in the Gaza Strip. Photo: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

He announced that in the meeting there were some points of agreement, but also some differences, without specifying the aspects that were discussed.

At the meeting, the Arabs also demanded to allow the arrival of “immediate, sufficient and constant humanitarian aid to Gaza.”

Israel says it does not want war with Hezbollah

On the same day this request was made, Yoav Gallant, Israel’s Defense Minister, said that his country has no interest in having a conflict with Hezbollah, which has remained attentive to events in Palestine.

“We are defending our northern border and carrying out operations in Gaza – these are our priorities. We have no interest in war on our northern border, but we are prepared for any (possible) mission. The Israeli Air Force is preserving its capabilities (to defend) the north against Hezbollah,” said Gallant during a visit to the troops displaced along the Lebanese border, according to data published by EFE.

But he clarified that if Hasan Nasrallah, leader of the Lebanese Shiite Muslim organization, makes a mistake, “it will determine the destiny of Lebanon.”

Keep reading:
• Israeli Army carries out a “selective raid” in the southern Gaza Strip
• The United States flies drones over the Gaza Strip to help Israel search for hostages
• Israel continues the offensive in the Gaza Strip and confirms that it will not cease fire against Hamas

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