Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, became the target of criticism after sharing a message on social media encouraging a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The post was deleted shortly after.
Last Sunday, Blinken reported through X that he had a conversation with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, about the possibility of Israel ceasing to defend itself from terrorist attacks.
“I spoke further on Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel. I encouraged Turkey’s advocacy for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas immediately,” Blinken's post stated.
Reactions to the publication
Several social media users, including House representatives, senators and other politicians, condemned the Secretary of State's message.
“Anyone demanding Israel not ‘escalate’ or calling for a ‘cease-fire’ is either out of touch with this unfortunate reality or sympathizes with Hamas,” said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
Hamas exists for one reason alone, to wipe out the Jewish state of Israel.
So Israel has only one option in response to yesterday’s barbaric attack, the permanent elimination of Hamas.
Anyone demanding Israel not “escalate” or calling for a “cease-fire” is either out of touch…
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) October 8, 2023
"The Biden Administration is showing its true colors. Once Israel indicated it was going on offense into Gaza, Blinken encourage a cease-fire," said Representative Mike Waltz.
The Biden Administration is showing its true colors. Once Israel indicated it was going on offense into Gaza, Blinken encourage a cease-fire.
Israel has every right to respond to these horrific acts of terror. https://t.co/9x3w6WOJW3
— Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) October 9, 2023
I repeat: Hakan Fidan was the intelligence chief who presided over the establishment of a Hamas headquarters in Turkey that included an active terrorist commander directing attacks in the West Bank, Saleh al-Arouri. https://t.co/J8ETtxj2q1
— Jonathan Schanzer (@JSchanzer) October 9, 2023
The post was deleted
After several criticisms, Blinken deleted the publication without further explanations. However, even after that, other users have criticized the Secretary of State's position.
“It seems that US Secretary of State Blinken deleted yesterday's tweet where he 'encouraged' Hamas-supporting Turkey arranging a cease-fire between Hamas and Israel. Are there any actual adults in charge?” commented Alberto Miguel Fernández, a retired US diplomat.
Strange that it took over 12 hours for them to delete this tweet.
This isn’t the first time that the @StateDept has put out messaging through official channels with capitulations to Hamas. pic.twitter.com/IvAaA9JgQq
— Jeremy Redfern (@JeremyRedfernFL) October 9, 2023
Another tweet was deleted by the State Department
The US Office of Palestinian Affairs also recently removed a post suggesting Israel should “refrain from violence and retaliatory attacks.”
“We unequivocally condemn the attack of Hamas terrorists and the loss of life that has incurred. We urge all sides to refrain from violence and retaliatory attacks. Terror and violence solve nothing,” the office shared after the terrorist group murdered hundreds of people.
Several social media users continue to question why the posts were removed, highlighting that the department should be clearer about its position.
