Blinken Discusses Gaza Humanitarian Aid and Conflict De-escalation with Israeli and Egyptian Officials
The U.S. Secretary of State emphasizes the need for affirmative steps to de-escalate tensions and increase aid, while thanking Egypt for facilitating safe exits and hostage releases.
- Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Israeli War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz, discussing efforts to accelerate the transit of critical humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
- Blinken and Gantz also discussed ongoing efforts to prevent the conflict from widening and to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, including U.S. citizens.
- Blinken stressed the urgent need for affirmative steps to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence.
- Blinken spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on the situation in Gaza and joint efforts to increase humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in urgent need.
- Blinken thanked Egypt for its leadership in facilitating the safe exit of U.S. and other foreign nationals from Gaza via Egypt to their final destinations, and advancing efforts to free hostages.
United States Department of State 
Reuters 
