Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Fidan discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, focusing on efforts to ensure the conflict does not spread elsewhere in the region, the necessity of freeing remaining hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid.
The Secretary emphasized the importance of ratifying Sweden’s NATO accession without delay.
108scoop.com reports the Palestinian health ministry as saying a teenager has been killed by Israeli forces in the southern occupied West Bank.
Palestinian officials slam the US veto of a UN Security Council resolution urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza as “disastrous” and “a disgrace”.
The Israeli bombardment of the besieged enclave continues, with dozens reported dead in attacks on Khan Younis in the south.
At least 17,487 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7. In Israel, the revised official death toll stands at about 1,147.
In a related development, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger yesterday.
Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of ICRC’s humanitarian response to the conflict in Gaza.
The Secretary and ICRC President also discussed efforts to strengthen civilian protections and expand the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.
The Secretary reiterated the call for the immediate release of all hostages and highlighted the need for the ICRC to be granted access to the remaining hostages.
The Secretary thanked ICRC for delivering life-saving assistance and protection for civilians.
