Blinken says he will discuss “concrete steps” with Israel for downplaying civilian damage

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will discuss the steps Israel “can and should take” to minimise civilian victims during his upcoming visit to Tel Aviv.

“We will talk about concrete steps that can and should be taken to minimize damage to the men, women and children in Gaza, and this is something that the United States is committed to”, Blinken said on Thursday.

While the secretary gave no further details, he reiterated that the topic is on the agenda of the visit. Blinken is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli government leaders, according to the State Department.

When I see a Palestinian child, a boy or a girl pulled out of the ruins of a collapsed building, it hits me in my guts just as much as seeing a child in Israel or anywhere else. So this is something we have to respond to and we will do”, he said.

Asked whether Israel had shown restraint in its offensive in Gaza, Blinken did not give an answer yes or no, and instead reiterated that Israel has the right to defend itself and “the responsibility to do whatever is possible to protect civilians”.