US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke at the high-level session between Israel and Palestine held at the United Nations Security Council.
Noting that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, and therefore Palestinian civilians are not responsible for its attacks, Blinken said: “This means that Israel must take every precaution possible to avoid harming civilians.” He said.
Blinken stressed the importance of protecting Palestinian civilians, saying: “This also means ensuring that food, water, medicine and other essential humanitarian aid can be delivered to Gaza and the people who need it. “This means that civilians should not be harmed.” He said.
Noting that they have core beliefs that the life of every civilian is equally important in conflicts, Blinken said: “There is no hierarchy when it comes to protecting civilian lives. “Civilians are civilians, regardless of their nationality, ethnic identity, gender or belief.” He made his assessment.
“Don’t add gasoline to the fire”
Blinken also stated that they were determined to prevent the conflict from spreading to the region, and said: “A broader conflict would be devastating not only for Palestinians and Israelis, but also for the people of the region and even around the world.” “Don’t add gasoline to the fire,” he said.
Blinken stressed that the UN Security Council has a responsibility in this regard, and called for sending a joint message to state and non-state actors who are considering opening a new front in this conflict against Israel.
Blinken said that it is no longer a secret that Iran has been supporting Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis for years, and noted that Iranian proxies have attacked American employees in Iraq and Syria in recent weeks.
Blinken said that the United States does not seek conflict with Iran, and said: “We do not want this war to escalate, but if Iran or its proxies attack our personnel anywhere, we will defend our people and our security quickly and decisively.” He said.
Blinken also reiterated that they believe that the only way to achieve lasting peace and security between Israelis and Palestinians is through a “two states for two peoples” solution.