US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed support for the Palestinian Authority's potential return to the Gaza Strip, currently under the control of Hamas, the Islamist militant group that has governed the region since 2007. Blinken made these remarks during a Senate hearing, highlighting the need for an effective and reinvigorated Palestinian Authority to assume governance and security responsibilities for Gaza.

Blinken acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, "Whether a single-step approach is feasible remains a substantial question that we must examine. If not, temporary arrangements involving various regional countries may be considered," as quoted by AFP. He proposed the involvement of international agencies to assist in providing security and governance during the transitional period, emphasizing the necessity to prevent a return to the status quo with Hamas in control.

Furthermore, Blinken emphasized that Israeli control over Gaza is not a viable solution. He stated, "We also cannot have Israel governing or controlling Gaza."

While expressing support for Israeli efforts against Hamas, Blinken's position contrasts with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's long-standing goal of sidelining the Palestinian Authority and its President, Mahmud Abbas, who exercises limited autonomy in parts of the occupied West Bank.

During a recent visit to the Middle East, Blinken held two meetings with Abbas and expressed appreciation for the efforts made in the West Bank to maintain peace. However, the situation in the region has since deteriorated, with at least 122 Palestinians reportedly killed by Israeli forces or settlers since October 7, according to the Ramallah-based health ministry. Over the same period, two members of the Israeli forces were reported to have been killed in the West Bank, as reported by AFP.

Blinken reiterated the United States' support for the establishment of a Palestinian state, a goal that has faced opposition from members of Prime Minister Netanyahu's hard-right government.

The backdrop to these developments includes an Israeli assault launched in response to an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7. During this attack, Hamas militants crossed the Gaza border, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,400 people, predominantly civilians, and the taking of over 230 hostages, as reported by Israeli authorities.

According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, more than 8,500 people have lost their lives in the Palestinian territory, with over 3,500 of them being children.

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