Secretary of State Blinken Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Amid Calls for Cease-Fire

Secretary of State Antony Blinken's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem centered on the United States' call for Hamas to agree to a cease-fire proposal and putting pressure on Israel to accelerate the distribution of aid to Gaza. Netanyahu's declaration that Israel would enter Rafah and eliminate Hamas battalions with or without a deal came just before the meeting, highlighting the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region as attempts are made to secure a cease-fire agreement.

During the meeting, which lasted longer than originally scheduled at 2½ hours, key U.S. officials including Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, Special Envoy on Middle East Humanitarian Issues Lise Grande, and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew were present. The discussions between the U.S. and Israeli officials took place as mediators expressed hopes for progress in the talks between Israel and Hamas, with Israel reportedly softening its stance in presented terms to negotiators.

In an effort to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, Blinken announced the dispatch of aid shipments from Jordan through a newly opened crossing into northern Gaza, despite difficulties faced as some convoys were attacked by Israeli extremists. These developments unfolded amid escalating pro-Palestinian protests at U.S. universities, where students have been advocating for divestment from Israeli-linked companies, reflecting a broader wave of activism in response to the conflict in Gaza. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a high toll of casualties reported by the Gaza Health Ministry and differing estimates of the number of individuals killed in the ongoing violence.