Blinken: Israel made clear it doesn’t intend to resume control of Gaza after war; 2-state solution must be goal

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken argues that the goal of the war cannot only be to defeat Hamas but also to create a brighter future that includes a two-state solution.

“This is not just about dealing with Hamas in terms of defeating it physically. It is about making sure that it can’t repeat what it did on October 7, but it is also about defeating an idea — a perverted idea… that we have to combat with a better idea… with a better vision for what that future can be and demonstrating that we’re committed to achieving [it],” Blinken says.

He says the two-state vision can “give people something to hope for” and that there is a broad and strong coalition throughout the region” that supports it.

“Israel cannot resume control and responsibility for Gaza and Israel has made clear that it has no intention of doing that,” he says in answer to a question.”

He promises discussion “with our partners in our region and beyond” on “what will happen once Hamas is defeated.”

This will be as part of a bigger picture on how to achieve lasting piece in the region, he says.