Gantz, Blinken hold talks after ICJ ruling on Rafah

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz on Friday spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to immediately halt military operation in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

According to a statement by Gantz's office, cited by the Times of Israel news website, both discussed "efforts to ensure the return of the hostages" and prospects of normalization with Saudi Arabia.

Gantz said Israel rejects the Saudi condition of "establishing a pathway to a future Palestinian state" in return of normalization of ties.

Blinken is said to have raised the issue of improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza, whereas Gantz claimed aid supplies reach all parts of Gaza.

Gantz stressed that Israel will continue the war on Gaza, including its offensive in Rafah, and continue to "make an effort to avoid harming the civilian population."

Israel has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians since a cross-border offensive by Hamas that claimed 1,200 lives and another 250 were taken as hostages.

The UN's top court, the International Court of Justice, on Friday ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah, which it started earlier this month.​​​​​​​