Context:

The US government has decided to shut down the Office of Palestinian Affairs, integrating it into the US embassy in Jerusalem, which marks a return to the diplomatic framework from the first Trump administration. This decision is seen as diminishing the Palestinians' direct communication with Washington, a move that follows previous closures of US diplomatic channels dedicated to Palestinian affairs. The closure is announced amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Gaza, further exacerbated by Israeli plans to expand military actions in Gaza and ongoing blockades. Historically, the US had maintained separate lines of communication for the Palestinians and Israelis to act as a neutral mediator, but this integration under Ambassador Huckabee, who has made controversial statements regarding Palestinians, signals a shift. The Biden administration had previously indicated an intention to reinstate a separate Palestinian diplomatic channel, but that has not materialized, and the recent developments suggest a continued sidelining of Palestinian diplomatic engagement with the US.

Dive Deeper:

• The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the closure of the Office of Palestinian Affairs, merging it with the US embassy in Jerusalem, reverting to a unified diplomatic mission approach from the Trump era.

• This move is perceived as a further step in reducing the Palestinian Authority's direct access to the US government, which historically had a separate line through the now-closed consulate general in Jerusalem.

• The announcement coincides with Israeli military plans to intensify actions in Gaza, increasing tensions and potentially impacting the humanitarian situation, as well as the diplomatic landscape in the region.

• The Trump administration had previously closed the consulate general, which provided Palestinians with a distinct diplomatic channel, and appointed David Friedman, who opposed a Palestinian state, as the primary intermediary.

• Despite the Biden administration's initial promises to reinstate the consulate general, no action has been taken to reopen it, and the latest merger decision suggests a continuation of policies that limit Palestinian diplomatic engagement.

• The integration under Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who has made dismissive remarks about the Palestinian identity, raises concerns about impartiality and the US's role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports significant casualties in the ongoing conflict, with over 52,000 Palestinians killed, underscoring the urgent need for effective diplomatic interventions and humanitarian considerations.