"Secretary Blinken's Efforts to End Israel-Gaza Conflict and Protect Children"

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizes the high cost of the Israel-Gaza conflict on civilians, particularly children, and urges Israel to facilitate the entry of essential aid into Gaza. He acknowledges the challenge of fighting an enemy embedded within the civilian population and highlights the need for a clear pathway to Palestinian political rights and a state for long-term peace. Blinken announces a plan for the UN to assess the devastated areas of northern Gaza, but warns that the return of Palestinians will not happen overnight due to the presence of unexploded ordinance and booby traps. He dismisses South African claims of genocide by Israel as "meritless" but stresses the urgent need for more food, water, medicine, and essential goods to reach the people in Gaza.