Efforts to stop the Gaza war were accelerated by the Biden administration on Friday. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli leaders in Tel Aviv, while the C.I.A. director traveled to Qatar where mediators were working on a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas.
During his visit, Mr. Blinken met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of Israel’s war cabinet amidst high tension. U.S. officials criticized Mr. Netanyahu’s war strategy, particularly the planned military offensive in Rafah, a city in Gaza with displaced civilians.
Despite backing a failed U.N. Security Council resolution for an immediate cease-fire, the Biden administration has not imposed restrictions on military aid to Israel or demanded a permanent halt to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
After the meeting, Mr. Netanyahu stated that while Israel recognized the need to protect civilians and provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, they were determined to proceed with the mission in Rafah, with or without U.S. support.
Benny Gantz, a member of Mr. Netanyahu’s war cabinet, thanked Mr. Blinken for his support but emphasized the need to dismantle Hamas’s military infrastructure, including in Rafah.
Mr. Blinken, wrapping up a Middle East tour, mentioned that negotiations between Hamas and Israel were progressing, but reaching a deal would be challenging. He also stressed the importance of allowing humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.
Following his meetings, Mr. Blinken met privately with the families of Israeli-American hostages and expressed support for their release. He then engaged with protesters advocating for the hostages’ release.
Mr. Blinken’s visit to Israel followed stops in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and discuss plans for the territory’s future governance and security.
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