The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. Secretary Blinken discussed ongoing efforts to minimize civilian harm in Gaza and accelerate and increase the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians throughout Gaza. In this regard, the Secretary welcomed the appointment of Sigrid Kaag as the UN’s Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza. The Secretary noted increased volatility in the West Bank and discussed U.S. efforts to address extremist violence. He also underscored the United States’ position that all Palestinian tax revenues collected by Israel should be consistently conveyed to the Palestinian Authority in accordance with prior agreements. The Secretary had a productive discussion with President Abbas about administrative reforms, which, if implemented, would benefit the Palestinian people. The Secretary reaffirmed that the United States supports tangible steps towards the creation of a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, with both living in peace and security.
