Secretary of State Antony Blinken is facing criticism after urging “all parties” to lower the tensions as Iran is expected to strike back at Israel.
In a statement on Monday, Blinken said, “We are engaged in intense diplomacy, pretty much round-the-clock with a very simple message: All parties must refrain from escalation. All parties must take steps to ease tensions.”
“Escalation is not in anyone’s interests. It will only lead to more conflict, more violence, more insecurity,” he added.
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Blinken then insisted it is “critical that we break this cycle by reaching a ceasefire in Gaza.”
“That, in turn, will unlock possibilities for more enduring calm, not only in Gaza itself but in other areas where the conflict could spread,” he added.
Several commentators took issue with Blinken’s call for “all parties” not to escalate:
Blinken’s comment comes as the world is waiting for Iran to retaliate against Israel.
The expected attack comes after the death of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, in Tehran last week.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for the death of Haniyeh, nor denied it, but Iran has pointed the finger at Israel.
