TEL AVIV: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated his support for Israel’s efforts to prevent a recurrence of the Hamas attack on October 7 during a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken emphasized the importance of avoiding further harm to civilians and protecting infrastructure in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict, which has entered its fourth month.
On October 7, Israel launched a widespread military operation in Gaza, resulting in at least 23,210 casualties, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
Blinken and Netanyahu also discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages from the October 7 attack, with Israel reporting 132 remaining hostages, while 25 are believed to have been killed. The importance of delivering more aid to the people of Gaza was another focal point of the discussion.
“The secretary reiterated the need to ensure lasting, sustainable peace for Israel and the region, including by the realization of a Palestinian state,” stated State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
