Israel says Hezbollah leader's likely successor killed – DW – 10/23/2024

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in Tel Aviv on Wednesday that the war in Gaza should end now, adding that despite some improvements in supplies, Israel needs to do more to make aid possible.

Blinken said he had urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and reiterated his warning that failure could result in U.S. military aid being cut.

“Progress has been made, which is good, but more progress needs to be made,” he said.

Blinken said Israel must aim for “lasting strategic success” after its recent tactical victories against Hamas.

“Since October 7, a year ago, Israel has achieved most of its strategic objectives regarding Gaza.”

“Now is the time to transform these successes into lasting strategic success. And there are really two things left to do: bring the hostages home and end the war with an understanding of what will follow,” Blinken told reporters.

As he prepared to leave Israel for Riyadh, Blinken also said Israel should seize the “incredible opportunity” to normalize relations with Saudi Arabia, a process put on hold by the war in Gaza.

“Despite everything that has happened, there remains an incredible opportunity in this region to go in a completely different direction,” he said.