Antony Blinken due in Saudi for summit on global economy, Gaza

NEW DELHI: Washington's top diplomat is slated to attend a Saudi-hosted economic summit kicking off on Sunday with a significant focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as stated by organizers.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken will be "coming in directly from his visits in China and on his way to Israel," said Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum (WEF), during a press conference in Riyadh on Saturday.

Other attendees at the two-day WEF special meeting include Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, along with foreign ministers and prime ministers from various Middle Eastern and European countries.

According to a WEF press release, foreign ministers from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the EU, as well as prime ministers from Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq, are among those expected to participate.

Brende mentioned that a total of 12 heads of state and government will be present among the more than 1,000 participants.

"There is some new momentum now in the talks around the hostages, and also for... a possible way out of the impasse we are faced with in Gaza," Brende said, without providing further details.

He added that discussions will cover the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and will include regional aspects related to Iran, making the meeting potentially significant.

The conflict in Gaza began with Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Israel estimates that 129 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, including 34 whom the military says are deceased.

Israel's retaliatory military campaign to eliminate Hamas has led to casualties among Palestinians, at least 34,356 of them, with a majority being women and children, according to the territory's health ministry.

Hamas stated on Saturday that it was reviewing the latest Israeli counterproposal regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza, following reports of a delegation from Egypt arriving in Israel to revive stalled negotiations.

Saudi Arabia, while never formally recognizing Israel, was reportedly considering doing so before the October 7 attack. Talks are ongoing regarding a potential deal that would also enhance security cooperation between Riyadh and Washington.

Saudi officials are concerned that the conflict in Gaza and potential regional instability could hinder the Gulf kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to transition towards a post-oil future by implementing social and economic reforms.

(With inputs from Agencies)