:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/OG6L5LO4RRHGFACDCBQOKC2BIA.jpg "Antony Blinken spoke about the situation in Gaza: “100% of the population is in serious levels of food insecurity”")
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed grave concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that the entire population is facing severe levels of acute food insecurity. Speaking during a joint press conference with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique Manalo, Blinken emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and provide much-needed humanitarian aid to those in desperate need.
Blinken announced plans to travel to Saudi Arabia and Egypt to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza and increase the entry of humanitarian relief into the Strip. He underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive plan for Gaza’s reconstruction and reiterated the need for Israel to prioritize humanitarian efforts in the war-torn region.
These statements come on the heels of US President Joe Biden’s recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where Biden expressed deep concern about a potential operation in the city of Rafah, located in the southernmost part of Gaza. The White House confirmed that the two leaders discussed efforts to enhance humanitarian assistance to Gaza during their conversation.
Blinken’s upcoming trip to the Middle East will mark his sixth visit to the region since the conflict erupted in Gaza last year. The US remains committed to facilitating peace negotiations and providing essential aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza.