Blinken backs Israel's security but says tensions must be defused
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has again called on all sides to de-escalate following the unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel last week.
"We're committed to Israel's security," Blinken said on Friday at the end of a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized democracies on the Italian island of Capri.
"We're also committed to de-escalating to try to bring this tension to a close," Blinken added at the event, which produced a condemnation of the Iranian attack.
Regarding Israel, the US diplomat said the G7 was calling for more humanitarian aid to be made available to people in the Gaza Strip and for better distribution to everyone in need.
Important steps had been taken to help the population in recent weeks, said Blinken, emphasizing that distribution must take place throughout Gaza.
He did not confirm an alleged attack by Israel on Iran overnight and said only that the US was not involved in any offensive operations.
The focus of the United States is on ensuring that Israel can defend itself effectively and also on reducing regional tensions and avoiding conflicts, Blinken stressed.
