During discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ opposition to an Israeli military operation in the densely populated Gaza city of Rafah, according to a statement from State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
Despite Netanyahu’s insistence on proceeding with the operation, Blinken expressed ongoing U.S. concerns about the potential impact on civilians sheltering there.
The talks, part of Blinken’s seventh visit to the Middle East since October 7, lasted for two and a half hours at Netanyahu’s office in Jerusalem. Initially held one-on-one, the meeting later included aides from both sides.
Blinken has been actively seeking to broker an Israel-Hamas deal to pause the fighting and secure the release of hostages, even as Netanyahu vowed to target Rafah regardless of any deal.
Furthermore, Miller mentioned that Blinken held discussions with Netanyahu about the obstacles to a ceasefire, notably attributing them to Hamas.
Blinken also continues to advocate for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, following Israel’s decision last month—pressured by the US—to open additional entry points to the besieged area.
This has led to an increase in aid deliveries, with Blinken emphasizing the need to further accelerate and sustain these improvements amidst UN warnings of a potential famine in Gaza.
