Blinken urges Israel to restore humanitarian aid to Gaza during meeting with President Herzog
WASHINGTON
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a meeting Tuesday in Tel Aviv that it is “imperative” to restore sustained humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to the State Department.
“The Secretary noted the imperative to restore sustained humanitarian aid to Gaza and reiterated the importance of ending the war in a way that secures the release of hostages and creates the conditions for broader regional stability,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.
The conversation between Blinken and Herzog also touched on ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. Blinken also reaffirmed the US’s “ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security, Miller added.
“They discussed efforts to promote a diplomatic resolution along the Blue Line (between Israel and Lebanon) that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes,” Miller said.
Blinken’s visit to the Middle East comes amid Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, which has persisted since the Palestinian group Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023 which killed nearly 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures.
More than 42,700 people in Gaza have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 100,300 others injured, according to Gaza health authorities.
The visit, Blinken’s 11th to the region since Oct. 7, followed the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. US officials said his death presents an opportunity for a cease-fire and a potential end to the war.
Earlier in the day, Blinken also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the meeting, he emphasized the need for Israel to take additional steps to increase and sustain the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and ensure that aid reaches civilians across the region, according to the State Department’s readout.
However, the Israeli government’s readout of the meeting did not mention discussions on humanitarian aid. Instead, it focused on talks regarding the future governance of Gaza following the war.
“The two sides discussed the issue of the governing framework in Gaza the day after the war,” said the Israeli Prime Minister’s office.
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