US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made clear to the Israeli government that Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza “as soon as conditions allow” and must not be displaced from the strip, the top US diplomat said Tuesday.
In response to the current situation, Secretary of State Blinken announced that the Israeli government has agreed to allow a United Nations assessment mission to northern Gaza. This mission aims to determine the necessary measures for displaced Palestinians to safely return to their homes in the north.
During talks with Israeli officials, Blinken reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s security, emphasized the need to prevent a recurrence of events like October 7, and urged additional efforts to minimize civilian casualties.
The discussions also touched on ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. As concerns grow over the conflict spreading and the increasing humanitarian impact, Blinken highlighted the critical nature of the moment and the enduring commitment of the U.S. to the people of Israel.
The UN has warned of a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with significant casualties, displacement, and the risk of famine. Publicly, U.S. officials acknowledge existing gaps between Israel’s intentions and the actual outcomes concerning civilian casualties. that Palestinians must
Following Tuesday’s meetings, Secretary of State Blinken stated that the U.S. will continue to provide Israel with advice on conducting the war to prevent a recurrence of events like October 7, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring necessary assistance. Blinken expressed the belief that Israel has made significant progress in achieving these objectives. Discussions with Israeli officials touched on the next phase of the conflict in Gaza, which is expected to be more targeted and involve fewer troops within Gaza. The comments suggest a heightened focus on the future of Gaza compared to previous visits.