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From the Liveblog of Thursday, October 19, 2023

US says it is in talks with Israel, UN, Egypt to establish ‘safe zones’ in Gaza

By Jacob Magid

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19 October 2023, 9:45 pm Edit

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

Palastinans at a temporary tent camp set up for Gazans evacuated from their homes, on the grounds of a UNRWA facility in Khan Younis, Gaza, October 19, 2023. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Flash90)

The United States is in talks with Israel, the UN and Egypt about establishing safe zones inside Gaza “where innocent civilians can be safe from harm’s way,” US State Department spokesperson Matt Miller says during a press briefing.

This is one of newly appointed US ambassador for Mideast humanitarian issues David Satterfield’s main objectives, in addition to securing the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza from Egypt.

Miller notes that such safe zones are critical, as the US recognizes that regional leaders are strongly opposed to evacuating Palestinians out of Gaza.

The State Department spokesperson says the US is still working to secure the evacuation of American citizens who want to leave Gaza, but does not have any updates regarding that effort.