Israel: The US Secretary of State Mr. Antony Blinken has landed in Israel to support the country after Hamas attacks. Mr. Blinken is expected to seek the release of hostages, including Americans, kidnapped by Hamas. Additionally, the US Secretary of State will demand safe passage for Gaza’s civilians ahead of a possible Israeli ground offensive.
At least 1,200 Israelis died in the attack, and over 1,100 Palestinians have died in air strikes on Gaza. According to reports, about 22 US citizens are also known to have died in Israel.
Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by the US, took up to 150 people hostage when its fighters breached the border fence in several places in the Gaza Strip and launched a cross-border attack on Israel.
Mr. Blinken is expected to meet Israeli President Mr. Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu. The US Secretary of State will also meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah in the Jordanian capital, Amman.
Recently, US President Mr. Joe Biden warned Mr. Netanyahu that Israel “must operate by the rules of war in its response to Hamas’ attacks.”
Mr. Netanyahu commented that Israel had a right and a duty to respond and called the attacks an “act of sheer evil.”
Israel further announced that a total blockade, including on food, fuel, and other essentials, would be imposed on Gaza since the attacks would not be lifted until hostages were freed. The PM vowed to annihilate Hamas and has launched a powerful bombing campaign in the tiny enclave of 2.3 million people.
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