Summary
US Secretary of State Blinken meets Israeli PM Netanyahu, seeks Gaza aid, urges Hamas hostage deal.
Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister
On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss additional aid for Gaza and urge Hamas to accept a hostage deal to end the violence in the region.
Visit to Ashdod Port
Blinken visited Ashdod Port in the southern area, where recent relief supplies to Gaza have begun. He plans to press the Israeli government to improve aid distribution to Gaza, where roughly half of the population is facing starvation.
Discussion with Netanyahu
Following a 2.5-hour discussion with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken appreciated progress in aid distribution and emphasized the need to expedite and sustain it.
US Support and Weapons Supply
The United States supports and supplies weaponry to Israel. This meeting follows US President Joe Biden’s warning that support to Israel may be reassessed if certain humanitarian concerns are not addressed.
Efforts for Ceasefire
Blinken reiterated the US position that Hamas is obstructing efforts to establish a ceasefire. He urged Hamas to consider a ceasefire arrangement proposed by Egyptian mediators, involving the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian inmates and an end to hostilities.
Netanyahu’s Military Plans
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to launch a military attack on Rafah, regardless of a deal. Over half of Gaza’s population has sought shelter in Rafah, facing shortages of food, water, and medication.
Visit to American Hostages’ Families
Blinken also visited families of American hostages in Gaza before meeting privately with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
