Israel must allow displaced Palestinian civilians to return to their homes in Gaza, Blinken said in response to calls by right-wing members of Israel's ruling coalition for them to move elsewhere.
Israel is “clearly not interested and does not want escalation. That has been made clear from the start,” Blinken said.
Two days after the United States vetoed a proposed United Nations demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, Blinken said Israel needs to put "a premium" on protecting Gaza civilians
The government needs to stop playing politics and instead outline a vision for the day after in Gaza.
“The way Israel defends itself matters,” Blinken told reporters after that meeting.
“Those calling for an immediate ceasefire have an obligation to explain how to address the unacceptable result it would likely bring about,” Blinken said,
“People think that being woke equals supporting terrorists, and we feel that our institution [NYU] is just being ignorant and supporting antisemitism,” the young woman said.
The Gulf state, in coordination with the US, is leading mediation talks with Hamas and Israeli officials over the release of more than 200 hostages.
Commentators echoed President Biden, who said that not since the Holocaust have so many Jews died in such horrific ways.
The United States was among a number of countries that rushed to support Israel, with top leaders from Germany, France and the United Kingdom also taking action.