Blinken tells Netanyahu to avoid 'further civilian harm' in Gaza

TEL AVIV — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that his forces must avoid inflicting further harm on civilians in Gaza, the State Department said.

Blinken has been visiting countries across the Middle East to calm regional tension over the conflict, now into its fourth month, and talk to Israeli leaders about their handling of the war.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Blinken had reaffirmed US support for Israel's attempts to stop any repeat of the Hamas surprise attack of October 7, which sparked the conflict.

Miller said Blinken then "stressed the importance of avoiding further civilian harm and protecting civilian infrastructure in Gaza".

Israel launched the deadliest attack in its history with a bombardment by land, sea and air of Gaza that has killed at least 23,210 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

They talked about the importance of getting more aid to the people of Gaza.

"The secretary reiterated the need to ensure lasting, sustainable peace for Israel and the region, including by the realisation of a Palestinian state," said Miller.