US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stressed the need to enable the Israeli army to defeat the Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" in Gaza, stressing Israel's right to defend itself.

Blinken explained during a press conference in Tel Aviv today that the protection of civilians must not only be in the Gaza Strip, but also in the West Bank.

In light of the embargo imposed on the Gaza Strip and the prevention of electricity, water, food and fuel, Blinken said that mechanisms have been identified to enable fuel to reach hospitals in Gaza, noting that he spoke with Israeli leaders about concrete steps to increase the sustainable delivery of food, water and medicine.

He said that he discussed with Israeli officials the “humanitarian truce” in Gaza, considering that it “needs time,” pointing out that journalists need “protection” in Gaza.

The two-state solution

During his speech, the US Secretary of State stressed that the best and only path to resolving the Middle East crisis is the two-state solution, through peaceful negotiations. He said that his country will continue to hold discussions with partners in the region and outside it about what should follow the war in Gaza.

Regarding fears that the current conflict will expand to include other fronts, Blinken said that his country is keen that there will not be a second or third front in this conflict.

During his meeting earlier today with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, Blinken considered, "These days are difficult, but we are here as we were and are still in solidarity with Israel."

He added, "We strongly support the idea that Israel not only has the right to defend itself, but it is also obligatory for it."

Blinken's current visit to Israel is the third since Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and the Americans say it aims to pressure Israeli leaders to take concrete steps to limit the damage to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Shortly after his arrival, Blinken began a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and participated in a meeting of the Israeli security government.

Release detainees

The American New York Times newspaper quoted White House officials as saying that Blinken would urge Israel to agree to a series of short and temporary cessation of military operations, in order to allow the release of detainees and the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

White House officials confirmed to the newspaper that the request for a temporary ceasefire is different from a comprehensive ceasefire, which the administration of US President Joe Biden rejects and believes will benefit the Palestinian resistance movement (Hamas) and prevent Israel from the necessary response to the Al-Aqsa flood operation.

Defense Department spokesman Pat Ryder said, "We do not support a ceasefire because it gives Hamas time to regroup and launch new attacks on Israeli citizens. We support a temporary humanitarian truce to enable humanitarian aid to enter as well as for the exit of hostages and detainees."

Blinken will head to Jordan after his visit to Israel, and will then begin a tour of Asian countries including Japan, South Korea, and India.