Sources reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken privately met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem as the two men reaffirmed Washington's commitment to Israel's security while pleading for restraint against a further escalation of the conflict. The major problem was, however, how to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, though the United States cited Hamas as the cause of the deadlock.
The spokesman for the U.S. State Department, Matthew Miller, explained that Blinken discussed how to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and how this relates to broader efforts to resolve the ongoing hostage crisis.
For this purpose, Blinken reiterated the United States' unyielding commitment to ensure humanitarian assistance to Gaza without further delay—a matter of concern after President Biden's April 4 call to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
In the meeting with Blinken, the president also emphasized Israel's need to prevent any further escalation of hostilities. The two men discussed broader efforts to achieve peace in the region, specifically the US stance on Rafah.
On the other side, following a private meeting with the Jewish state president, Isaac Herzog, Blinken called for an immediate renewal of humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, for the protection of humanitarian workers, and for the prevention of any further escalation of tensions in the region.
Blinken underscored his commitment to freeing all hostages safely to their families, regardless of who they are or what their status is.
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