U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, on the final stop in his sixth urgent trip to the region since the start of the war. Blinken says he will share alternatives to Israel’s planned ground assault into the southern Gaza town of Rafah when he meets with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his War Cabinet. Later Friday, the United Nations Security Council will vote on a U.S.-sponsored resolution declaring “the imperative of an immediate and sustained cease-fire” and supporting diplomatic efforts to secure a cease-fire that includes the release of all remaining hostages. It also emphasizes the urgent need for aid in Gaza. The World Health Organization says so little food has been allowed in that up to 60% of children under 5 are now malnourished.
