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

The spokesperson reiterated the U.S. administration's stance, highlighting that any such actions would contradict principles outlined by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Tokyo last year. These principles include the assertion that there should be no reduction of territory in Gaza and that Palestinians must be allowed to return safely to their homes when conditions permit.

While the spokesperson noted the U.S. is closely monitoring developments in Gaza, they refrained from providing a detailed assessment, stating that the information comes from media sources rather than official government channels. The spokesperson also mentioned that the U.S. does not have personnel on the ground in Gaza, which limits their ability to comment on the situation directly.

The meeting also referenced comments from Volker Turk, the UN's chief human rights official, who described the current conditions in Northern Gaza as dire, labeling it as one of the darkest moments in the region's recent history. The discussions reflect ongoing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the implications of military actions in the area.