US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "stressed the importance of avoiding further civilian harm and protecting civilian infrastructure in Gaza" in his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the war cabinet in Tel Aviv Tuesday, according to a readout by the US State Department.

It suggests that the two sides discussed a proposal by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant — also a member of the war cabinet — in which Israel would not allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza until all the remaining hostages are released. A US official told CNN Monday the matter was expected to be a part of the discussion.

Blinken and Netanyahu "discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages and the importance of increasing the level of humanitarian assistance reaching civilians in Gaza," according to a readout State Department.

His meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog also addressed the same issues, while reiterating US support for Israel's"right to ensure the terrorist attacks of October 7 cannot be repeated," according to another readout.

Prior to his meeting with Israeli officials, the top US diplomat, who is on a multi-nation trip to the Middle East, also spoke with Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, "pledging close cooperation with her in this new capacity," the State Department said.