Blinken Deletes Post Calling for Israel-Hamas 'Cease-Fire'

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Facts

  • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the weekend sparked controversy with a since-deleted post on X, formerly Twitter, in which he urged an Israeli-Hamas cease-fire.1
  • Blinken's post appeared after fighting broke out Saturday when Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel.2
  • Blinken’s now-deleted Sunday post read: 'Turkish Foreign Minister [Hakan Fidan] and I spoke further on Hamas' terrorist attacks on Israel. I encouraged Tükiye's advocacy for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas immediately.'3
  • The post drew condemnation, with US Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) posting: 'Anyone demanding Israel not 'escalate' or calling for a 'cease-fire' is either out of touch with this unfortunate reality or sympathizes with Hamas.'4
  • Blinken’s post was subsequently deleted without explanation, and a statement regarding the phone call posted by the US Dept. of State lacked any reference to a cease-fire.5
  • Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) posted a call for a cease-fire on X, writing, 'Today is devastating for all those seeking a lasting peace and respect for human rights in Israel and Palestine. No child and family should ever endure this kind of violence, and this violence will not solve the ongoing oppression and occupation in the region...'4

Sources: 1New York Post, 2The New Republic, 3Daily Wire, 4FOX News and 5Daily Caller.

Narratives

  • Republican narrative, as provided by New York Post. Blinken can delete his X post, but that doesn’t change the fact that the Biden administration’s foreign policy is weak and ineffective, and the president’s recent deal with Iran allowed this attack to happen. This administration needs to do more to support allies like Israel, not enemies.
  • Democratic narrative, as provided by Guardian. Republicans are weakening the US by politicizing this crisis and making it seem like the country is divided. The US needs to present a united front for Israel’s benefit, and the Republicans’ hyper-politicization is irresponsible at this crucial time.