US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on Monday that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on Monday to discuss the importance of ending the war in Gaza and returning all hostages held by Hamas.

“Secretary of State Antony Blinken met today with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and emphasized the importance of returning all hostages home and ending the war in Gaza,” Miller said in a statement from the secretary’s office on Monday evening.

“Secretary Blinken and Israeli Minister Dermer also continued discussions on how to chart a path forward in the post-conflict period that provides governance, security, and reconstruction, which the Minister emphasized is critical to Israel’s security. He discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasized that Israel must do more to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza. The two Ministers discussed the importance of implementing the recently announced ceasefire in Lebanon to allow Israeli and Lebanese civilians to safely return to their homes and remain there for the long term,” the statement said.

Miller concluded his statement by saying: "The Secretary affirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to Israel's security against threats from Iran and its affiliates."

It is noteworthy that there is a lot of talk in the American capital about discussions currently underway regarding reaching an agreement under which there will be a ceasefire in Gaza, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the release of the Israelis held in Gaza, without there being any specific official statements regarding this.

Hamas insists on the withdrawal of all Israeli occupation forces from the entire Gaza Strip as a condition for the release of the detainees.

President-elect Donald Trump issued stern threats to Hamas on Monday, threatening an unprecedented response if the hostages were not released before he takes office on January 20.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, “If the hostages are not released... the price will be paid in the Middle East, as well as for the officials who committed these atrocities against humanity.”