Antony Blinken meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu

Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire, , Says Invasion of Rafah , Will Continue. Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire, , Says Invasion of Rafah , Will Continue. 'The Guardian' reports that Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire in Gaza while rebuffing pressure from the U.S. to end the war. 'The Guardian' reports that Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a ceasefire in Gaza while rebuffing pressure from the U.S. to end the war. According to Netanyahu, no settlement will end Israel's security issues short of "absolute victory" over Hamas. According to Netanyahu, no settlement will end Israel's security issues short of "absolute victory" over Hamas. The prime minister also confirmed that Israeli Defense Forces will commence operations in the southern city of Rafah. . Rafah has become the last refuge for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza. . Netanyahu suggested victory was "within reach" but would require months more of fighting in order to defeat Hamas. Netanyahu suggested victory was "within reach" but would require months more of fighting in order to defeat Hamas. There is no alternative for the military collapse [of Hamas]. There will not be a civilian collapse [of Hamas rule] without a military one, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, via 'The Guardian'. 'The Guardian' reports that Israel's war in Gaza has killed over 27,000 Palestinians, displaced most of the population and pushed a quarter of the population to the brink of starvation. Officials at the United Nations have warned that a ground offensive on Rafah would lead to a "large-scale loss of life" and could potentially be considered a war crime. While speaking at a televised press conference, Netanyahu said. "surrendering to Hamas' delusional conditions would lead to another massacre, and to a great tragedy on Israel that no one would be willing to accept.". Israel's leader reportedly added that hostages still held by Hamas would only be released with continued military pressure.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken landed in Saudi Arabia on Monday to kick off his latest regional crisis trip aimed at securing a new truce in the...