World

Blinken requests immediate action from Israel regarding settler violence in West Bank

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Israel on Thursday to take urgent action to stop settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Blinken made the request during a phone chat with Benny Gantz, an opposition leader who joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wartime cabinet, while in San Francisco for an Asia-Pacific summit.

“Blinken stressed the urgent need for affirmative steps to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence”, said Matthew Miller, State Department spokesman.

Blinken also discussed ongoing talks to liberate hostages kidnapped by Hamas militants during a large foray into Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7.

According to Israeli officials, over 240 persons were taken captive during the Hamas strikes, which killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Since then, Hamas government officials claim that Israel’s airstrikes and ground offensive have killed around 11,500 people, predominantly civilians, and included thousands of children.

Unlike the Gaza Strip, which is under Hamas authority, the West Bank is mostly under Israeli occupation with limited autonomy provided by the Palestinian Authority, whose officials are enemies of Hamas.

Palestinians in the occupied West Bank allege Israeli settlers have upped their harassment since the war began.

Gantz, a centrist retired general, decided to form a wartime cabinet with Netanyahu, who had retaken power in a coalition with far-right parties that supported the Jewish settlement of the West Bank.

Also read: United Nations says Gaza’s civilians face immediate possibility of starvation amid war

Spriha Rai

Recent Posts

Maha Kumbh 2025: Yogi Government’s Strategic Coordination Ensures Timely Preparations

For Maha Kumbh 2025, preparations are in full swing as authorities work to ensure all…

11 hours ago

In Special Gesture, Kuwait’s Prime Minister Sees-Off PM Modi At Airport After Conclusion Of Historic Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day visit to Kuwait on Sunday evening. In…

12 hours ago

Maha Kumbh 2025: Shri Panchdashnam Aawahan Akhara Makes Grand Entry Into Maha Kumbh City

Maha Kumbh 2025 with preparations for the Maha Sammelan are in full swing as 13…

13 hours ago

India’s Unifying Initiative: MRM Declares Bhagwat’s Message As The Foundation Of National Unity

The MRM strongly endorsed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement on temple-mosque disputes.…

13 hours ago

Maha Kumbh-2025: Prayagraj Mela Authority Deploys Advanced Sanitation Technology

For Maha Kumbh-2025, the Prayagraj Mela Authority has made extensive preparations to provide a clean…

14 hours ago

PM Narendra Modi To Attend Christmas Celebrations At CBCI In New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to attend the Christmas celebrations at CBCI Centre…

14 hours ago