Blinken Urges Israel to Prioritize Civilian Protection in Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel to prioritize the safety of Palestinian civilians before resuming military operations in Gaza, as negotiators from Qatar and Egypt engage in difficult talks for a new truce extension. Blinken's message aligns with the Biden administration's shifting rhetoric on the conflict, which initially supported Israel's response but has since called for compliance with international law and protection of civilians. The death toll and destruction in Gaza have drawn widespread international criticism, with over 15,000 Palestinians killed and thousands more injured. Blinken also called for accountability for settler violence and emphasized the importance of a peace process leading to a Palestinian state.