The United States and Israel discussed “the need to create certain safe zones where civilians can move and be safe from legitimate Israeli security operations,” the official said, during talks in Tel Aviv the day before.
“We are working with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations aid agencies to see what that might look like,” he added.
The official spoke as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Qatar, another stop on his tour of Middle Eastern capitals.
Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, invading its territory and launching rocket attacks. Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip. More than 1.3 thousand people died in Israel. people.
Israeli strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip claimed almost 1,800 lives. people’s lives.
Fearing for the lives of Gazans, Israel has called for 1.1 million people, i.e. almost half of the total population, to leave the northern part of the territory.
The United States is also discussing opening Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt to foreigners, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The last remaining exit from the Gaza Strip has been closed since Tuesday after Israel carried out three bombings in 24 hours, mostly on the Palestinian side.
“We have also discussed this with Israel and we continue to discuss it with Egypt – it is important that the Rafah crossing point is open to American and other nationals who want to leave and have the right to leave,” the official said.
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#official #Israel #supports #creation #safe #zones #civilians #Gaza #Strip
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Cohen, Middle East Policy Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. Recently, the United States and Israel have been in discussions regarding the creation of safe zones for civilians amid the ongoing conflict. Can you provide some context on why these safe zones are necessary?
**Dr. Cohen:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The desire for safe zones arises from the pressing need to protect civilians in conflict areas. Recent escalations in violence—particularly following Hamas’s surprise attacks—have led to significant humanitarian crises. Safe zones would ideally provide a secure environment where civilians can seek refuge from military operations, which are often unavoidable in such situations.
**Interviewer:** What role do international organizations like the ICRC and UN aid agencies play in establishing these safe zones?
**Dr. Cohen:** These organizations are pivotal. The International Committee of the Red Cross and various UN agencies have expertise in crisis management and humanitarian assistance. They can help design and implement these safe zones to ensure they meet the legal and logistical requirements for protecting civilians. Their involvement also lends credibility to the initiative, which is crucial in a region where trust can be scarce.
**Interviewer:** The discussions took place in Tel Aviv as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was on his tour through the Middle East. How does U.S. involvement impact the situation?
**Dr. Cohen:** The U.S. plays a significant role as a mediator and ally to Israel, and its involvement can greatly influence the dynamics on the ground. By advocating for civilian protection measures like safe zones, the U.S. is signaling its commitment to humanitarian principles, which can help alleviate some tensions. However, the effectiveness will depend on the execution and the willingness of all parties involved to respect these zones.
**Interviewer:** Moving forward, what challenges do you foresee in implementing these safe zones, considering the current situation?
**Dr. Cohen:** There are numerous challenges. Firstly, defining the boundaries of safe zones amid ongoing conflict can be very complicated. There’s also the need for strict operational protocols to prevent misuse or breaches. Additionally, ensuring that armed groups respect these areas is a significant hurdle. the logistics of providing continuous humanitarian aid in these zones will require extensive coordination among all stakeholders.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights. It’s a complex situation, and we appreciate your expertise on this matter.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the dialogue open as we navigate these pressing issues.
