11/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/04/2024 16:53
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with the Israeli Defense Minister Gallant. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States' ironclad commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and Iran-backed proxy groups. The Secretary and Defense Minister discussed the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The Secretary reviewed actions Israel has taken to date and urged further actions to substantially increase and sustain humanitarian aid - including food, medicine, and other essential supplies - to civilians across all of Gaza. The Secretary emphasized the importance of ending the war in Gaza and bringing all of the hostages home, as well as charting a path forward in the post-conflict period that allows the Palestinian population in Gaza to rebuild their lives and advances governance, security, and reconstruction. The Secretary and Defense Minister discussed ongoing efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to return safely to their homes.