Meet Prime Minister Netanyahu, US Secretary Of State Blinken Reminds Israel Must Ensure Security And Needs Of Palestinian Civilians

JAKARTA - United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken again expressed calls for President Joe Biden's Government, Israel Defense Force (IDF) to take into account Gaza civilians, before expanding its land operations to the southern region of the Palestinian enclave.

This was conveyed by Foreign Minister Blinken when meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Thursday, after previously meeting President Isaac Herzog. This is the third time to go to the Middle East since the Hamas-Israeli conflict broke out on October 7.

Praises the 7-day Hamas-Israel ceasefire and has paid off, Foreign Minister Blinken said Washington DC hopes it will continue.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Foreign Minister Blinken also reiterated support for Israel to protect itself from violence, in accordance with international humanitarian law, taking all possible measures to avoid civilian losses.

"The minister stressed the importance of taking into account the need for humanitarian and civilian protection in southern Gaza before carrying out military operations there," Miller said.

Washington has urged Israel to narrow its combat zone and make it clear where Palestinian civilians can seek refuge in southern Gaza, US officials said on Wednesday, to prevent a repeat of the large death toll from Israeli attacks on northern Gaza.

The U.S. main diplomat also said Washington was focused on helping ensure freedom for more hostages detained in Gaza.

Meanwhile, in a statement following the meeting, PM Netanyahu's office said the prime minister reaffirmed Israel's commitment to eliminating Hamas, which controls Gaza.

Apart from Gaza, Miller said Foreign Minister Blinken urged to immediately take steps to hold settlers' extremists accountable for violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. Foreign Minister Blinken also reiterated Washington remains committed to concrete measures to advance a Palestinian country "living in peace, freedom and security with Israel."