In a high-stakes meeting between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, tensions ran high as the two leaders discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Blinken reiterated the United States’ opposition to an Israeli assault on the crowded city of Rafah, citing concerns for the safety of civilians in the area.
Despite Blinken’s clear stance on the matter, Netanyahu remained steadfast in his commitment to press ahead with the assault, vowing to enter Rafah even if a deal is reached. The US official present at the meeting, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, reported that Blinken emphasized the importance of a ceasefire and blamed Hamas for obstructing the peace process.
Blinken, who has made multiple trips to the Middle East since the recent escalation of violence, has been working tirelessly to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas. He has also been advocating for increased aid to enter Gaza, where the United Nations has warned of a looming famine.
The Gaza war, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, has resulted in a devastating loss of life on both sides. The conflict has claimed the lives of over 1,170 people in Israel and at least 34,568 in Gaza, with the majority being civilians, women, and children.
As the situation in Gaza remains dire, Blinken continues to push for a peaceful resolution and increased humanitarian aid to the region. The world watches anxiously as the conflict unfolds, hoping for a swift end to the violence and a lasting peace for the people of Gaza.