Antony Blinken

Blinken said that there is a “momentum” leading to a larger war between Hezbollah and the IDF, but that the paradox was, that no one really wants to see a a larger war break out.

"The confidence in American leadership has gone up dramatically over the last three-and-a-half-years."

"I urge the Administration to immediately cease this failed operation before further catastrophe occurs and consider alternative means of land and air-based humanitarian aid delivery."

“We stand firmly behind the President’s deal, which Israel has accepted, and now Hamas must accept – or bear the consequences,” Gallant said.

"Religious freedom is still not respected for millions of people around the world," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a news briefing.

Gallant spoke amid a bitter public dispute between the two countries over the flow of arms to Israel for its wars against the Iranian proxy groups.

In the balance is: the future of the war and post-war Gaza policy, the status of weapons sales in a range of areas, Iran policy, and related regional issues.

Predictably, as political players, leaders have chosen to put party considerations before the welfare of the Jewish homeland.

Blinken thinks the sheer number of Israelis who have been displaced from their homes in the North is reason for Israel to avoid war. 

Asked about Israel and Hamas' commitment to the current proposal, the Qatari PM said both sides need to be pressured to reach an agreement and both have been counterproductive.