Blinken meets with Israeli President Herzog

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun his meetings in Israel, marking his 7th visit since the attacks on Gaza began on October 7. Secretary Blinken met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. In his opening remarks, Herzog stated,

"We desire the return of the hostages (in Gaza) as soon as possible. This is and must be the most important priority of the international community. I believe there should be a unanimous decision by the international community that the release of the hostages is the highest priority."

Blinken, for his part, said, "We are determined to reach a ceasefire agreement that will bring the hostages home, and to do so immediately."

Holding Hamas responsible for the failure to reach a ceasefire so far, Blinken stated, "There is a proposal on the table, and as we have said, there should be no delays and no excuses. It is time for the hostages to be brought back to their families, and it is already long overdue."

In addition to the ceasefire, Blinken emphasized that they must focus on the people in Gaza and providing the aid they need.