In his final press conference at the State Department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the incoming Trump administration's commitment to upholding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Blinken stated that the new administration fully supported and endorsed the agreement, reassuring all parties involved that their responsibilities under the deal would be carried forward.
Blinken specifically commended President-elect Donald Trump's incoming Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, for his collaboration with the outgoing Biden administration in finalizing the agreement. He defended the decision to involve the Trump administration in the negotiations before officially taking office, highlighting the importance of continuity in implementing the terms of the agreement.
The Secretary of State underscored that the majority of the agreement's implementation would occur under the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for all parties to have confidence in the ongoing support for the deal. Blinken stressed that the focus should be on achieving the desired outcome rather than on individual credit for the agreement.
He reiterated that the ultimate goal was to secure peace and stability in the region, and that the successful negotiation of the ceasefire was a significant step towards that objective. Blinken's remarks reflected a spirit of cooperation and bipartisan support for diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, underscoring the importance of continuity and unity in addressing complex international challenges.
