RELIVE: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Meets Blinken

The primary agenda of Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State is to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and enhance humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.

23:00 Antony Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday in Riyadh, where they discussed the urgent need to reduce tensions in the region, the U.S. Department of State said in a statement.
Blinken also underscored the need for sustaining an increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, reaching an immediate ceasefire that secures the release of hostages and preventing the possible further spread of the conflict, the State Department said.

15:30 Antony Blinken expressed optimism on Monday regarding Hamas accepting an exceedingly generous offer from Israel to cease the Gaza offensive in exchange for the release of hostages.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Blinken stated that Hamas currently has a proposal in front of them that is remarkably generous from Israel’s side. He emphasized the urgency for Hamas to make a prompt decision and expressed hope that they would make the correct choice.

14:30 Antony Blinken advocated for increased defense collaboration among Gulf Arab nations in response to Iran.

This initiative aims to promote moderation in Israel by offering the prospect of improved relations with the region. During a meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council ministers in Riyadh, Blinken emphasized the pressing and escalating threat posed by Iran.

He stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts in integrated defense.

In the coming weeks, the United States plans to engage in discussions with the six-nation bloc to integrate air and missile defense systems and enhance maritime security. While the United States already maintains robust military relationships with all Gulf Arab states, the dynamics among the six nations have experienced fluctuations over time.

Blinken highlighted that the region faces a critical choice for its future, which includes the potential for division, destruction, violence, and enduring instability. By engaging in dialogue with the United States, Gulf Arabs are opting for “greater integration” and “greater peace,” as stated by Blinken.

13:30 Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

This meeting took place on the sidelines of the gathering between the foreign ministers of GCC countries and the US.

During their discussion, both parties explored opportunities to strengthen relations and cooperation between their respective nations. They also addressed the recent developments in the Gaza Strip, including the situation in Rafah. Emphasizing the urgency, they called for an immediate ceasefire and discussed efforts to ensure the prompt delivery of essential humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In attendance at the meeting were Princess Reema bint Bandar bin Sultan, the Saudi Ambassador to the US, Dr. Manal Radwan, an advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mohammed Alyahya, an advisor to the Foreign Minister.

12:30 AFP reported that Blinken will discuss with the countries “day-after” plans for reconstruction of post-war Gaza, the State Department official said.
Plans could include funding to rebuild Gaza — the vast majority of whose people have been displaced — or support for installing new governance structures as Israel pursues its goal of wiping out Hamas.

11:30 Additionally, the prominent US diplomat plans to travel to Jordan and Israel during his seventh trip to the region since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered an extensive Israeli military operation in Gaza.

10:30 On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Riyadh, marking the beginning of his new diplomatic mission aimed at promoting a much-needed Israel-Hamas ceasefire and bolstering humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip.

All times are Saudi local (GMT +3)