US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday night.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement following the meeting that Blinken and Gantz “discussed efforts to augment and accelerate the transit of critical humanitarian assistance into Gaza. The Secretary and the Minister also discussed ongoing efforts to prevent the conflict from widening and to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, including US citizens.”
“Secretary Blinken stressed the urgent need for affirmative steps to de-escalate tensions in the West Bank, including by confronting rising levels of settler extremist violence. Secretary Blinken stressed that the United States remains committed to advancing a two-state solution,” the statement added.