Blinken Meets With Netanyahu, Blames Hamas For Delay In Ceasefire

United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, where he  discussed ongoing efforts to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza as part of a hostage deal and emphasized that it is Hamas that is standing in the way of a ceasefire. 

According to a statement released by State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller, Blinken discussed the improvement in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza since the call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu on April 4 and reiterated the importance of accelerating and sustaining that improvement. 

Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security.  He also discussed the need to avoid further expansion of the conflict and updated the Prime Minister on ongoing efforts to ensure a lasting, sustainable peace in the region. The Secretary reiterated the United States’ clear position on Rafah, the statement added.