Official U.S. government announcements or credible news sources

Blinken Announces $135 Million Aid, Urges Gaza Ceasefire in Middle East Talks

Oct 24, 2024, 09:17 AM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has undertaken a diplomatic mission to the Middle East, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Blinken announced an additional $135 million in U.S. humanitarian aid for Palestinians and emphasized the importance of increasing humanitarian assistance into Gaza. He urged Israel to capitalize on its military successes to achieve strategic gains and to avoid escalating tensions with Iran and Hezbollah. Negotiators from the U.S., Israel, Qatar, and Egypt are expected to resume talks in Doha to discuss a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages, with Mossad Chief David Barnea set to meet CIA Director William Burns.