Blinken calls on Israel to ensure safety of Palestinians in southern Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken used a visit on Thursday to Israel to call on Israeli forces to ensure the safety of Palestinian civilians in southern Gaza. 

Blinken's spokesperson, Matthew Miller, said he had met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in the occupied West Bank. 

"The secretary stressed the imperative of accounting for humanitarian and civilian protection needs in southern Gaza before any military operations there," Miller said.

Following the meeting, Netanyahu's office posted a statement reaffirming Israel's intention to wipe out Hamas from Gaza. 

Speaking with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Blinken said: "We have seen over the last week the very positive development of hostages coming home, being reunited with their families.

"And that should continue today. It's also enabled an increase in humanitarian assistance to go to innocent civilians in Gaza who need it desperately," Blinken said.