In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around reports from the New York Times suggesting that Israel is establishing military bases in central Gaza. The spokesperson acknowledged these reports but emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Israeli government to confirm or deny their accuracy.

The spokesperson highlighted that if these reports are true, they would contradict key principles outlined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Tokyo regarding the future of the region. These principles include the necessity of maintaining Gaza's territorial integrity and ensuring that Palestinians are not forcibly displaced from their homes, with a focus on allowing safe returns when conditions permit.

The spokesperson reiterated that the United States does not have a military presence in Gaza and is closely monitoring the situation. They noted that the information in question originates from a media outlet rather than an official government announcement, which limits the U.S. government's ability to comment further.

Additionally, the meeting referenced alarming statements from Volker Turk, the UN's chief human rights official, who described the current situation in Northern Gaza as a \"total catastrophe,\" citing widespread killing, displacement, and starvation. The spokesperson acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the U.S. commitment to addressing human rights concerns as a signatory to the Geneva Convention.