Blinken says Türkiye, Arab countries ready to work on reconstruction of Gaza

The authorities of four Arab countries and Türkiye assured the United States that they were ready to cooperate and participate in planning the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the management of the enclave after the end of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during his current Middle East tour, reported from TASS.

Blinken, according to the Associated Press, told reporters that Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Türkiye would consider joining the efforts for Gaza's future.

"[The countrys' leaders] agreed to cooperate and coordinate our efforts to help Gaza stabilize and recover, chart a political path for the Palestinians, and work toward long-term peace, security and stability in the region as a whole," Blinken said.

According to him, the leaders of the region countries "are ready to take on the necessary responsibilities, make difficult decisions to realize the goals and to advance their vision in the region." "Everywhere I have been, I have met with leaders who are determined to prevent the spread of the conflict we face and are doing everything possible to contain the escalation and prevent the expansion of this conflict,” the US Secretary of State added.

Blinken intends to speak about the obligations of the region's states on January 9 and 10 to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. Then the chief of American diplomacy plans to discuss the restoration of Gaza and the position of Arab countries and Türkiye with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

On January 4, Blinken embarked on a Middle East tour, including visits to Israel, Türkiye, and Arab states.

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