Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag met in Washington, D.C., on June 27, 2024, to discuss ongoing humanitarian challenges in Gaza.
Blinken emphasized the difficulties in delivering necessary aid to Gaza due to security concerns. "Over the past week or so, we’ve been working to address urgent challenges that are making it difficult to deliver the necessary humanitarian assistance the people of Gaza who so desperately need it," he stated. He mentioned raising these issues with Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and noted some progress in Israel's commitment to addressing these needs.
"We continue to face the challenge of aid getting to and into Gaza, but then not being able to be distributed effectively because, principally, of real security challenges," Blinken added. He stressed the importance of ensuring that basic necessities such as food, water, and medicine reach the Palestinian people swiftly.
Kaag expressed gratitude for Blinken's support and highlighted her role in implementing Security Council Resolution 2720. "It is, indeed, a very critical period," she said. She described the severe conditions faced by civilians in Gaza and stressed the importance of safe and secure distribution of aid.
Kaag also acknowledged the efforts of NGOs working under challenging conditions: "It’s a very difficult operating environment for the civilians, first and foremost, but also those who seek to assist." She underscored the significance of U.S. support for United Nations operations.
Looking forward, Kaag emphasized the need for early recovery efforts if a ceasefire deal is reached. This includes health facilities and educational opportunities for children. "That’s a shared commitment," she noted.
The meeting concluded with mutual expressions of appreciation between Blinken and Kaag.
