US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed that Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in Washington on Monday with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs and close associate of Israeli Prime Minister Ron Dermer.

According to the statement issued by the spokesman Miller, a copy of which was received by Al-Quds.com, “Secretary Blinken and Secretary Dermer reviewed the steps taken by Israel to improve the dire humanitarian situation inside Gaza in response to the letter sent by the Secretary and Secretary of Defense Austin on October 13.”

“Secretary Dermer briefed Secretary Blinken on the operational changes made by the IDF and COGAT, as well as the policy decisions taken by the Government of Israel to address the measures outlined in the letter. The Secretary emphasized the importance of ensuring that these changes lead to a real improvement in the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, including through the provision of additional assistance to civilians throughout Gaza,” he added.

According to Miller, Secretary Blinken also stressed the importance of Israel taking every possible step to minimize harm to civilians, “and the Secretary stressed the importance of ending the war in Gaza and returning all hostages to their homes.

He stressed that charting a path forward in the post-conflict period that provides governance, security and reconstruction is the only way to ensure lasting peace and stability for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Miller concluded his statement by noting that "the two ministers discussed ongoing efforts to reach a diplomatic solution in Lebanon that will allow Lebanese and Israeli civilians to safely return to their homes. The Secretary affirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and Iran-backed groups."