IN PHOTOS: US Secretary meets Israeli President Herzog amid ongoing war with Hamas

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday during his week-long trip, aimed at addressing the ongoing Israel-Palestine war and fostering regional stability. Pics/ AFP

Updated On: 2024-01-09 02:58 PM IST

Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday during his week-long trip, aimed at addressing the ongoing Israel-Palestine war and fostering regional stability. Pics/ AFP

Blinken's visit holds significance amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The discussions with Herzog aimed to calm the situation and prevent further war.

Blinken shared that four key Arab nations and Turkey have agreed to plan for Gaza's reconstruction once Israel Hamas war ends.

Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, and Turkey have expressed openness to participating in 'day after' scenarios for Gaza's governance and recovery, a move previously resisted before the war's de-escalation.

Blinken underlined the leaders' resolve to stop the present crisis from getting worse. Their coordinated efforts are intended to lessen the suffering of the impacted populace and discourage new conflicts.

Increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and resolving the severe shortages of fuel, food, water, and medicine are urgent priorities. Blinken visited relief coordination warehouses to observe initiatives to transport supplies to Gaza via designated crossings.

Despite efforts, aid deliveries into Gaza remain insufficient. The current rate of trucks entering falls short of meeting the population's basic needs, with a significant portion relying on aid for survival.

A large portion of Gaza's inhabitants have been forced to flee their homes due to the war, which has also caused food shortages. Resolving the escalating humanitarian disaster requires international action, especially American efforts.

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