US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday welcomed Israel’s decision to pause fighting in Gaza for four hours daily in to allow people to flee the violence to more safe locations and also to access assistance. Blinken also said that “there is more that can and should be done to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians” while stating that far too many Palestinians have been killed and far too many have suffered due to the ongoing war that began on 7th October 2023.

The US Secretary of State was addressing the media at New Delhi after “a very productive 2+2 session” with Secretary of Defense Austin and the Indian counterparts. Blinken also asserted that India and the United States stand with Israel against terrorism.

While stating that the four-hour window will save lives and enable more assistance to get to Palestinians in need, he also assured that the US will continue to discuss with Israel on such concrete steps to build “durable and lasting peace”. Blinken also stated that for such foundation to be set, both Israel and Palestine must be willing.

The fifth U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held on 10th November 2023 in New Delhi.