Brett McGurk, US President Joe Biden's envoy to the Middle East, took off today (Tuesday) from Washington to Israel, where in the coming days he will hold talks about the war in the Gaza Strip. On his way to Israel, McGurk will stop in Brussels, where he will meet with the heads of NATO and the European Union and formulate a gathered position on the war in Israel.
According to the White House announcement, in his meetings McGurk "will discuss Israel's security needs, alongside the importance of protecting the lives of non-involved civilians. In addition, he will discuss efforts to free the hostages held by Hamas, and the need to curb settler violence in the West Bank." It was also said that the American envoy will work to expand humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip, and will also deal with increasing economic sanctions on Hamas and other terrorist organizations in the region.
After his meetings in Israel, McGurk will travel to Ramallah and also meet with senior officials of the Palestinian Authority, with the White House saying that the discussions will deal with "their vital role as the representatives of the Palestinian people, and the need for reform that will promote long-term stability in the West Bank and Gaza." Later, McGurk will take off to other countries in the Middle East, including Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
