US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Visit Israel and Jordan Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United States has announced that Secretary of State Antony J Blinken will embark on a diplomatic mission to Israel and Jordan from October 11 to 13, 2023. The purpose of his visit is to directly engage with Israeli officials regarding the complex situation unfolding in the region. The US Department of State shared this development in a statement.

During his visit, Secretary Blinken will hold discussions with senior leaders in both countries and offer his condolences to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel. These attacks, which have triggered widespread condemnation, are being taken very seriously by the United States. The statement emphasizes America’s strong solidarity with the government and people of Israel.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted Secretary Blinken’s eagerness to meet with senior Israeli officials, emphasizing that these discussions build upon ongoing conversations initiated since the initial attacks on October 7. The primary focus of these discussions will be to explore measures aimed at enhancing Israel’s security, while simultaneously underscoring the United States’ unwavering commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself.

Concurrently, the US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, addressed the issue of American citizens taken hostage during the conflict. Sullivan acknowledged that the exact number of American hostages remains uncertain, and their condition is still unknown. Efforts are underway to ascertain the well-being and precise number of American hostages. This information will be made public as soon as it becomes available. Sullivan also noted the unfortunate increase in casualties, with the number of American deaths in Israel now confirmed to be 14.

US President Joe Biden confirmed the deaths of these 14 American citizens in Israel and additionally acknowledged the presence of more US hostages. President Biden has directed his team to collaborate with relevant agencies to share intelligence and deploy experts from across the US government to address the situation.

President Biden reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the United States’ commitment to provide the necessary support for Israel to defend itself and its people effectively.

The conflict has taken a devastating toll, with approximately 900 Israelis losing their lives and over 2,616 individuals sustaining injuries after Hamas initiated an unexpected and brutal attack on October 7. Simultaneously, over 770 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israeli air raids following a robust counter-offensive. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported at least 770 Palestinian casualties, including 140 children and 120 women, with 4,000 people wounded. The situation remains highly volatile and continues to draw international attention and concern.

Also Read: Biden Condemns Hamas Attack as ‘Pure Evil’; Confirms 14 American Deaths and US Hostages in Israel
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