US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip. Blinken, on his sixth journey to the Middle East since the Israel-Hamas conflict began, emphasised the importance of addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Speaking to Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers in Riyadh, Blinken emphasised the urgency of reaching a cease-fire deal to alleviate civilian suffering and create space for a long-term settlement. He acknowledged some improvements but emphasised the urgent need for additional aid.