In a recent phone call with UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antony J. Blinken, US Secretary of State, reiterated the US's call for calm and de-escalation of tensions between Israelis and Palestinians during the holiday season.
"Productive call with UAE Foreign Minister @ABZayed yesterday, where we discussed bilateral and regional issues. I reiterated our call for calm during the holiday season across the region and de-escalation of tensions between Israelis and Palestinians," said Antony Blinken in an April 9 Twitter post.
According to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had a phone call with UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing bilateral and regional matters, particularly the shared goal of achieving peace in Yemen. The Secretary emphasized the importance of de-escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians during the holiday season and reaffirmed the US's commitment to a two-state solution.
The tensions between Palestinians and Israelis are complex and have been ongoing for decades. The main issues revolve around the conflict over land and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim historical and religious ties to the land, particularly in the area known as the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has occupied the West Bank and Gaza Strip since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Palestinians in these areas seek independence, and the establishment of a Palestinian state, but negotiations for a peace agreement have been unsuccessful.
Other factors contributing to the tensions include Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the status of Jerusalem, access to holy sites, and the use of violence by both sides. The situation has often escalated into violence, with periodic outbreaks of conflict and attacks by Palestinian militants and Israeli military responses. The United States and other international actors have been involved in attempts to mediate a peaceful solution to the conflict, but a lasting peace agreement has yet to be reached.
Blinken's call for calm during the holiday season is a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace in the region. As the world looks towards a brighter future post-pandemic, resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a crucial step towards achieving stability and prosperity in the Middle East.
