٠٠:٠٣:٤٥US Secretary of States Antony Blinken addressed the critical situation in the Middle East amid the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, claiming that 'choices that all parties make in the coming days' would determine the region's future, while unveiling a new 'surge of support' for Ukraine to allow it winning 'Russia's brutal war', during a press availability in New York on Friday.
"Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. The way it does so matters. The choices that all parties make in the coming days will determine which path this region is on, with profound consequences for its people, now and possibly for years to come," he stated.
"One is the path of diplomacy. Getting a ceasefire along the border between Israel and Lebanon, one that allows people from both countries to safely return to their homes, and allows them to live there in security. [...] The other path leads to conflict, more conflict, more violence, more suffering, and greater instability and insecurity, the ripples of which will be felt around the world," the diplomat continued.
Blinken's remarks followed the Friday airstrikes by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Beirut's Dahiyeh suburb, which the force claimed were targeting Hezbollah's headquarters. At least six people were killed and over 70 others injured following the attack, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry at the time of publication.
The US, France and other nations previously proposed a three-week ceasefire in Lebanon, which had been rebuffed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he reiterated Israel's goal to seal a 'total victory' on Gaza during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
During the presser, Blinken also revealed an additional military package to Ukraine after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"To help Ukraine’s courageous defenders and citizens, we announced a surge of support: $8 billion in new security assistance, including long-range munitions, an additional Patriot air defence system, and training for more Ukrainian F-16 pilots," he remarked.
Blinken in addition mentioned his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New York on Friday, where he "underscored our strong concern with China’s support for Russia’s defence industrial base, which fuels Russia’s war machine."
The politician also spoke about US President Joe Biden's meeting with Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam on Wednesday for talks on bilateral partnerships, as well as moves to 'increase international pressure' on Venezuela's political issue following Nicolas Maduro's win in the July elections.
'Choices parties make in coming days' to define future for 'years to come'-Blinken urges diplomacy, warns of war's profound consequences in MENA
US Secretary of States Antony Blinken addressed the critical situation in the Middle East amid the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, claiming that 'choices that all parties make in the coming days' would determine the region's future, while unveiling a new 'surge of support' for Ukraine to allow it winning 'Russia's brutal war', during a press availability in New York on Friday.
"Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. The way it does so matters. The choices that all parties make in the coming days will determine which path this region is on, with profound consequences for its people, now and possibly for years to come," he stated.
"One is the path of diplomacy. Getting a ceasefire along the border between Israel and Lebanon, one that allows people from both countries to safely return to their homes, and allows them to live there in security. [...] The other path leads to conflict, more conflict, more violence, more suffering, and greater instability and insecurity, the ripples of which will be felt around the world," the diplomat continued.
Blinken's remarks followed the Friday airstrikes by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Beirut's Dahiyeh suburb, which the force claimed were targeting Hezbollah's headquarters. At least six people were killed and over 70 others injured following the attack, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry at the time of publication.
The US, France and other nations previously proposed a three-week ceasefire in Lebanon, which had been rebuffed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he reiterated Israel's goal to seal a 'total victory' on Gaza during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
During the presser, Blinken also revealed an additional military package to Ukraine after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"To help Ukraine’s courageous defenders and citizens, we announced a surge of support: $8 billion in new security assistance, including long-range munitions, an additional Patriot air defence system, and training for more Ukrainian F-16 pilots," he remarked.
Blinken in addition mentioned his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New York on Friday, where he "underscored our strong concern with China’s support for Russia’s defence industrial base, which fuels Russia’s war machine."
The politician also spoke about US President Joe Biden's meeting with Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam on Wednesday for talks on bilateral partnerships, as well as moves to 'increase international pressure' on Venezuela's political issue following Nicolas Maduro's win in the July elections.
US Secretary of States Antony Blinken addressed the critical situation in the Middle East amid the recent escalation between Israel and Hezbollah, claiming that 'choices that all parties make in the coming days' would determine the region's future, while unveiling a new 'surge of support' for Ukraine to allow it winning 'Russia's brutal war', during a press availability in New York on Friday.
"Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. The way it does so matters. The choices that all parties make in the coming days will determine which path this region is on, with profound consequences for its people, now and possibly for years to come," he stated.
"One is the path of diplomacy. Getting a ceasefire along the border between Israel and Lebanon, one that allows people from both countries to safely return to their homes, and allows them to live there in security. [...] The other path leads to conflict, more conflict, more violence, more suffering, and greater instability and insecurity, the ripples of which will be felt around the world," the diplomat continued.
Blinken's remarks followed the Friday airstrikes by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Beirut's Dahiyeh suburb, which the force claimed were targeting Hezbollah's headquarters. At least six people were killed and over 70 others injured following the attack, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry at the time of publication.
The US, France and other nations previously proposed a three-week ceasefire in Lebanon, which had been rebuffed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he reiterated Israel's goal to seal a 'total victory' on Gaza during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
During the presser, Blinken also revealed an additional military package to Ukraine after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"To help Ukraine’s courageous defenders and citizens, we announced a surge of support: $8 billion in new security assistance, including long-range munitions, an additional Patriot air defence system, and training for more Ukrainian F-16 pilots," he remarked.
Blinken in addition mentioned his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New York on Friday, where he "underscored our strong concern with China’s support for Russia’s defence industrial base, which fuels Russia’s war machine."
The politician also spoke about US President Joe Biden's meeting with Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam on Wednesday for talks on bilateral partnerships, as well as moves to 'increase international pressure' on Venezuela's political issue following Nicolas Maduro's win in the July elections.