The U.S. State Department announced today, Thursday, that "Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that it is 'essential' to protect civilians in southern Gaza as the ceasefire comes to an end." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "I have just concluded a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, shortly after Hamas murderers killed people here in Jerusalem. I told him that it is the same Hamas."
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement, "Blinken emphasized during his meeting with Netanyahu the need to consider humanitarian needs and protect civilians in the south of the Strip before any military operation there." Miller added, "Blinken urged Israel to take all possible measures to avoid harming civilians."
