Blinken: 'They have achieved their goals'

The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that despite the steps Israel must take to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the "best way to fully meet the needs of the people" is to "end the war" between Israel and Hamas. Blinken emphasized that "Hamas must stop the war." Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels, the diplomat mentioned, "Israel has achieved its stated objectives." He noted that the Middle Eastern country has the right to ensure that the attacks executed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, are not repeated, and called on both sides, especially Hamas, to cease military operations and release and exchange captives.

Additionally, Blinken stated that it is necessary to create conditions for Israel to exit the Gaza Strip without Hamas's return. "We must also ensure that we have a plan for further actions," he emphasized.