Blanchard spoke of the U.S. splitting away from other major economies on stronger private demand, yet the IMF cut its growth forecast 0.2 percentage points to 1.9%.

FORBES: IMF Warns Of 'Dangerous' Recovery As It Cuts U.S. And Global Growth Estimates

No U.S. officials have visited Gaza since Hamas seized control of the territory in 2007, effectively splitting the Palestinian government.

CNN: U.S. lawmakers visit Gaza for first time in 8 years