By Servet Gunerigok
WASHINGTON (AA) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to "capitalize" on the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar to secure long-term safety for Israelis and Palestinians, according to a State Department statement released Tuesday.
Blinken's remarks came during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
"The Secretary underscored the need to capitalize on Israel’s successful action to bring Yahya Sinwar to justice by securing the release of all hostages and ending the conflict in Gaza in a way that provides lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians alike," spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.
"He discussed the importance of charting a new path forward in the post-conflict period that allows Palestinians to rebuild their lives and provides governance, security, and reconstruction for Gaza," he said.
Miller also said Blinken stressed the need for Israel to take further steps to increase and sustain the flow of humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip and ensure assistance reaches civilians throughout the enclave.
The two men also discussed Lebanon and efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution along the Israel-Lebanon border, or Blue Line, that includes full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and allowing civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.
"They discussed the need to deter further regional aggression from Iran and its proxies, including ongoing efforts by the United States and its partners. The Secretary reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security," said the statement.
Blinken arrived in Israel earlier Tuesday on the first leg of a regional tour to revive Gaza cease-fire talks between Tel Aviv and the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.
The chief diplomat is on his 11th trip to the region since Oct. 7, 2023. His discussions include Gaza, the Lebanon conflict and Israel's potential response to Iran’s missile attack on Oct. 1.