In a recent interview with ‘FOX & Friends Weekend,’ Rep. Cory Mills from Florida discusses several pressing issues, including Ukraine funding, Biden’s border policies, and attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East. However, the focus of the conversation shifted when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the evidence of sexual violence committed by Hamas terrorists on October 7th. Blinken expressed his shock at the atrocities and criticized the slow response from the United Nations and the international community.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Blinken was asked why there was a delay in condemning the sexual violence and whether antisemitism played a role in this. While he did not have a definitive answer, Blinken acknowledged that the sexual violence witnessed on October 7th was beyond anything he had seen before. He emphasized the need for attention to such acts and expressed relief that the issue had finally gained recognition.
The article also highlights the controversy surrounding the bypassing of Congress to sell weapons to Israel. Blinken defended this move, stating that it was vital to U.S. national interests and necessary to support Israel in its fight against a terrorist organization responsible for brutal acts. The Biden administration revealed that the State Department is rushing $106.5 million worth of tank ammunition to Israel after a congressional aid package failed to clear amid debates over border security funding.
The United States’ isolated stand at the U.N. Security Council, where it blocked a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, reflects a growing divide between Washington and some of its closest allies concerning Israel’s prolonged bombardment of Gaza. France and Japan were among the countries supporting the call for a cease-fire.
Efforts by foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to persuade the Biden administration to change its stance on the issue were unsuccessful. Their meeting with Blinken only took place after the U.N. vote.
Blinken stressed the importance of protecting civilians during military operations and providing humanitarian assistance. He acknowledged the gap between the intent to protect Palestinian civilians and the actual results on the ground. Blinken called for deconfliction measures, designated safe areas, and clear communication to ensure the safety of civilians and effective delivery of humanitarian aid.
The article concludes by mentioning that Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Digital, covering politics, crime, and police-related news. Readers are encouraged to send story tips to her email and follow her on Twitter for the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail and other political content.
Overall, this article sheds light on Secretary Blinken’s condemnation of sexual violence by Hamas, the controversy surrounding the sale of weapons to Israel, and the United States’ position on the Gaza conflict. It provides a comprehensive overview of the key points discussed in the interview and highlights the importance of protecting civilians and delivering humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
