Antony Blinken has informed Israeli leaders that “much more needs to be done” to ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians in besieged northern Gaza, warning of potential legal consequences in the US if action is not taken, according to a senior Biden administration official.

Axar.az reports that on Tuesday, the US Secretary of State met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and high-ranking military officials during a series of meetings in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

These discussions are part of a regional tour aimed at revitalizing diplomacy following Israel's killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza last week. Blinken's direct message comes despite increasing criticism of the US for not doing enough to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza, as many believe the US has been hesitant to leverage its military support for Israel.

Washington has consistently dismissed this criticism.