Flight from Israel's bombardment of Gaza since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas terrorists in southern Israel has internally displaced 85% of the Palestinian enclave's population.
Ambrey said a Marshall islands-flagged chemical tanker reported an "exchange of fire" with a speedboat 55 nautical miles (around 102 kilometres) off Hodeidah.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini described an "implosion of civil order" where Gazans who have not eaten for days looted aid distribution centers and stopped trucks on roads.
The statement did not make clear whether Russia sought the release of all hostages seized by Hamas or just the release of any Russian nationals among them.
Among the possible measures up for discussion at the meeting are a crackdown on Hamas’s finances and travel bans for Israeli settlers responsible for violence in the West Bank.
Two days after the United States vetoed a proposed United Nations demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, Blinken said Israel needs to put "a premium" on protecting Gaza civilians
The impact of photos showing humiliated terrorists on Israel's war objectives is debated, as concerns arise over potential harm and embarrassing documents held by Hamas.
The expansion of fighting and IDF's entrance into southern Gaza worsened the humanitarian crisis, triggering food shortages and residents' growing dissatisfaction with Hamas leadership.