Blinken Discusses Post-War Gaza and Palestinian Statehood with Abbas

Hamas Rejects Visit, While Regional Leaders Discuss Increasing Pressure to End Israel's Aggression

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, discussing post-war plans for Gaza and steps towards the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Blinken's visit was met with protests, and Hamas rejected his visit, accusing the US of supporting Israel's actions.
Since the start of the war, the US has repeatedly stated that the Palestinian Authority (PA) should govern Gaza once Israel has achieved its objective of eliminating Hamas.
Blinken also discussed the role that regional powers will play in a post-conflict Gaza and efforts to bring countries in the region together.
Abbas met with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, who stressed that pressure should be increased to end Israel’s “aggression” against Gaza and protect civilians there.