Blinken Declares Palestine-Israel Conflict as 'Worst Middle East Crisis Since 1948' in Riyadh Meeting

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared the current Middle East crisis as the "most severe since 1948" during a conversation with World Economic Forum (WEF) President Børge Brende in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on April 29, 2024. Blinken was on his seventh diplomatic mission to the region since the Israel-Hamas war began more than six months ago.

The meeting in Riyadh involved Arab and European foreign ministers gathered for a WEF event focused on the ongoing Gaza conflict and the impending Israeli operation on Rafah. Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier that day to address a range of issues related to the crisis, including efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Blinken expressed hope that Hamas would accept an "exceptionally generous" offer from Israel to halt the Gaza offensive in exchange for the release of hostages. He stated that the most effective way to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages.

Why this matters: The declaration by the U.S. Secretary of State underscores the severity and urgency of the current Middle East crisis, which has been ongoing for over six months. The involvement of Arab, European, and U.S. officials in discussions highlights the international concern and efforts to find a resolution to the conflict.

Blinken also emphasized the need for greater defense integration among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations to address the growing threat from Iran. Meanwhile, a senior UAE official, Anwar Gargash, called for nations to find ways to unite on non-geostrategic issues like technology and climate change, rather than allowing them to divide the international community.

The U.S. Secretary of State is expected to hold talks with the Saudi leadership on the potential normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. He will also meet with other Gulf Arab and European foreign ministers to discuss "day-after" plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been devastated by the six-month-long Israeli bombardment.

Blinken's visit comes after a recent telephone conversation between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu about ongoing talks to halt Israel's offensive in Gaza in return for the release of hostages. The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating a new truce between Israel and Hamas as public pressure mounts for a deal.

In a statement during the meeting, Blinken said, "The most effective way to alleviate the crisis in Gaza would be to achieve a ceasefire. Hamas has before it an exceptionally generous offer from Israel to halt the Gaza offensive in exchange for the release of hostages, and we hope Hamas will make the right decision." The Secretary also participated in a Gulf Cooperation Council meeting to advance

Key Takeaways

• Blinken declares current Middle East crisis as "most severe since 1948".
• Blinken in Riyadh to address ceasefire efforts, hostage release negotiations.
• Israel offers "exceptionally generous" deal to halt Gaza offensive for hostage release.
• Blinken emphasizes need for greater defense integration among GCC nations against Iran.
• Blinken to discuss "day-after" plans for Gaza reconstruction with Gulf, European ministers.