Blinken: Discussed with Mahmoud Abbas the Need for Reform... Choosing the Leadership of the Palestinian Authority is in the Hands of the People

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed today, Thursday, that he asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for measures to protect civilians before operations begin in southern Gaza, adding that the Israeli government agrees to this. He told reporters in Tel Aviv, "Israel has one of the most advanced armies in the world. It is capable of neutralizing the threat posed by Hamas while minimizing harm to innocent men, women, and children. It has a commitment to do so." He expressed concern about proposals made by some members of the Israeli coalition government regarding the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas handed Blinken a complete file on "Israeli crimes" in Gaza and the West Bank, including Jerusalem, yesterday, Thursday, at the presidential office in Ramallah.