Antony Blinken engages in discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu during trip to Israel

On Monday, the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the escalating conflict with Hamas. This marks Blinken's second trip to Israel in just one week. The State Department stated that during the meeting, Blinken was briefed on the situation on the ground and expressed his support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas. The US also reiterated its willingness to provide assistance to Israel. The two parties also discussed the coordination between the US, the UN, and regional partners to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. The meeting took place amidst a critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where essential supplies like water, food, and medical resources are running low. Since the Hamas attacks, Israel's retaliatory strikes have resulted in the death of over 2,700 Palestinians and injured 9,700 others in Gaza. Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization by the US and other western governments, has been ruling the Gaza Strip since 2007. Additionally, during the meeting, Blinken and Israeli President Isaac Herzog discussed strategies to secure the release of over 100 people, including 30 Americans, believed to have been abducted by Hamas. In response to the situation, the US has organized a charter ship and multiple flights to evacuate American citizens from Israel to safer locations nearby. Last week, Blinken visited Tel Aviv and other countries in the region, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, where he expressed his support for the Israeli government while emphasizing the importance of upholding shared values for human life and dignity. President Joe Biden, in an interview with CBS News, stated that Hamas should be eliminated, asserting that Israel is responding to acts of barbarism akin to the Holocaust. However, he cautioned against Israel's occupation of Gaza and advocated for a path towards a Palestinian state. There are also rumors that President Biden may visit Israel in the near future.