The Palestinian Authority (PA) plays a crucial role in discussions about the future of the Gaza Strip, according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken made this statement during his visit to the region amid escalating tensions over the Israeli conflict with Hamas. He traveled to Ramallah on the West Bank, where he met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas after passing through Israeli checkpoints, before proceeding to Iraq. This visit marked his second trip to the region since October 7th, when Hamas militants, who govern Gaza, launched a surprise attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,400 casualties, according to Israeli sources, and the kidnapping of over 240 individuals.

Secretary of State Blinken emphasized the importance of taking Palestinian perspectives, opinions, and aspirations into account during discussions about Gaza’s future. Meanwhile, as Israel continued its campaign of airstrikes, which, according to Gaza health officials, claimed the lives of 9,770 Palestinians, Blinken rejected calls for a ceasefire from Arab officials on Saturday. He had previously unsuccessfully requested limited pauses in the fighting from Israel a day earlier