In Jerusalem, Blinken wants to avoid Hamas 'benefiting' from aid in Gaza
The US Secretary of State at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on May 25, 2021. AP - Menahem Kahana
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The US Secretary of State began his first tour of the Middle East on Tuesday, May 25.
Before Egypt and Jordan on Wednesday, Antony Blinken is in Israel and the Palestinian Territories to try to consolidate the ceasefire concluded last week between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups.
He met Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu this Tuesday morning.
The US foreign minister has sought to send a balanced message.
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With our special correspondent in Tel Aviv,
Guilhem Delteil
The United States has announced an increase in its military aid to Israel: they will provide it with new interceptors for its anti-missile shield.
"
This is proof of Washington's commitment to the security of the country,
" said Benyamin Netanyahu.
The Israeli Prime Minister promises, however, that his country will not only defend itself if necessary.
"
If Hamas breaks the calm and attacks Israel, our response will be very powerful,"
said Benjamin Netanyahu.
And we discussed ways to work together to prevent the strengthening of Hamas, with weapons and other means of aggression.
"
►
To read also: Israeli policy takes back its rights
"
Improving the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians
"
This is one of the stated objectives of the American administration.
But
Antony Blinken
stresses that Palestinians have "
the same right to live in security
" as Israelis and should enjoy the same freedom.
A long-term job, he emphasizes.
“
We have a lot of work ahead of us to restore hope, respect and some trust between communities,
” said the US Secretary of State.
But we have seen the alternative and I think that should inspire us to redouble our efforts to preserve the peace and improve the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians.
"
But Antony Blinken warns:
“
We will work closely with our partners to ensure that Hamas does not benefit from reconstruction aid.
The head of American diplomacy certainly opens the door to long-term work, but he does not, at this stage, evoke a relaunch of the peace process.
►
To read also: Gaza: after the bombings, families in the schools of the UN agency for refugees
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