Blinken Engages in High-Level Talks with Netanyahu in Israel

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the escalating conflict with Hamas. Blinken reaffirmed US support for Israel's right to defend itself and discussed coordination with the UN and regional partners to provide humanitarian aid to civilians. The meeting took place as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with shortages of water, food, and medical supplies. The US is chartering a ship and flights to evacuate Americans from Israel, and Blinken also discussed securing the release of nearly 200 people taken by Hamas. President Joe Biden expressed support for Israel's actions against Hamas but warned against an Israeli occupation of Gaza and called for a path to a Palestinian state.