On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken began discussions with Israel's leadership and reiterated demands for Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.
 
"We are adamant about obtaining a ceasefire that returns the hostages home, even in these extremely trying times, and we want it now." Meeting Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Blinken stated, "And the only reason that wouldn't be achieved is because of Hamas."
 
The offer that Israel made to release Palestinian inmates and temporarily pause its attack in Gaza in exchange for hostages taken on October 7 is expected to be met by a response from Hamas.
Blinken is pushing for more help to be sent to the Gaza Strip while he is there, since the UN has issued a famine warning owing to acute food shortages there.
 
Later on Wednesday, he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Along the way, he will stop in Ashdod, a port close to Gaza that Israel just reopened to provide relief.
 
Blinken said Herzog, "We also have to be focused on people who are suffering in this crossfire."
A Jordanian relief convoy was being sent off by Blinken on Tuesday, and it was en route to the recently reopened Erez gate, which connects Israel and Gaza.
 
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