Blinken and Netanyahu begin meeting in Israel - Antony Blinken in Israel as US supports call for Gaza ceasefire

 Antony Blinken is in Israel ahead of a UN vote on a US draft resolution, which calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza tied to the release of hostages held by Hamas

It is the first time the US has supported calls for an immediate ceasefire in the region, having previously blocked such demands at the UN.

Blinken is meeting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as the US grows more critical of Israel's military campaign

The US secretary of state has been in the Middle East to discuss a post-war plan to govern and secure Gaza

A UN-backed food security assessment this week said 1.1 million people in Gaza were struggling with catastrophic hunger and starvation.

Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October, killing about 1,200 people and taking 253 others hostage

Hamas says more than 31,900 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its retaliatory offensive to eliminate Hamas.

FULL REPORT AT: Israel-Gaza latest: Antony Blinken in Israel as US supports call for Gaza ceasefire - BBC News