Blinken emphasized need to protect Gaza civilians in Netanyahu meeting, State Dept says

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, emphasized the need to protect civilians in Gaza and sustain humanitarian aid through both land and sea routes, the State Department said.

Blinken also discussed efforts to reach an agreement for a ceasefire of at least six weeks that would secure the release of hostages and enable a surge in humanitarian assistance, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.