Middle East crisis live: ‘measurable progress’ in delivering aid to Gaza but ceasefire ‘most effective’ to address humanitarian suffering, says Blinken

US secretary of state says Iran is biggest source of instability in region but adds many nations interested in ‘path of greater peace’

• Biden and Netanyahu speak amid pressure over Rafah and ceasefire

Antony Blinken has told a meeting of regional leaders in Riyadh that the most effective way to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Gaza is to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Speaking in Saudi Arabia, the US secretary of state said that there had been “measurable progress” in delivering aid to Gaza, which Israel has beseiged for six months, but more is needed.

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