US Calls For ‘Immediate Ceasefire’ In Gaza, Blinken Condemns ‘Horrific Attack’ on Aid Workers After Biden Call With Netanyahu

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated on Thursday that following President Joe Biden’s call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the United States is calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Blinken was in Brussels, Belgium to mark the 75th anniversary of the creation of NATO and used his time to address the IDF strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers who were providing food and assistance in Gaza. Blinken called the attack “horrific” after highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating: “One hundred percent of the population in Gaza knows acute levels of food insecurity. One hundred percent of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance.”

But more noteworthy was Blinken reiterating Biden’s call for an “immediate ceasefire.” Here are his remarks:

Here’s the current reality in Gaza. Despite important steps that Israel has taken to allow assistance into Gaza, the results on the ground are woefully insufficient and unacceptable. One hundred percent of the population in Gaza knows acute levels of food insecurity. One hundred percent of the population is in need of humanitarian assistance. And those working heroically to provide that assistance are doing so in great peril to their own lives. This week’s horrific attack on the World Central Kitchen was not the first such incident. It must be the last.

President Biden spoke a short while ago with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The leaders discussed the situation in Gaza. The president emphasized that the strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation are unacceptable. He made clear the need for Israel to announce a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. He made clear that U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by our assessment of Israel’s immediate action on these steps. He underscored, as well, that an immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians. And he urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to empower his negotiators to conclude a deal without delay to bring the hostages home.

Watch the video above via CNN.