WASHINGTON, D.C. – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Tel Aviv today (November 3) “for more diplomacy during an incredibly challenging time” as Israel continues to bomb Gaza Strip from the air and the ground.
At least 9,061 Palestinians have been killed and more than 32,000 people have been wounded in the Israeli bombing of Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories since October 7, according to the figures released by the Gaza Health Ministry.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Blinken wrote, “On my way to Tel Aviv for more diplomacy during an incredibly challenging time. We will continue to work with regional leaders to protect civilians and prevent the spread of conflict. We remain focused on two states and broader peace and security in the region.”
On my way to Tel Aviv for more diplomacy during an incredibly challenging time. We will continue to work with regional leaders to protect civilians and prevent the spread of conflict. We remain focused on two states and broader peace and security in the region. pic.twitter.com/V4wkXQXy6U
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 2, 2023
Before leaving for Tel Aviv, Blinken spoke to EU High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles and reaffirmed “Israel’s right to defend itself”. He said, “I underscored our priorities of protecting civilian lives, delivering humanitarian aid, and ensuring the safe departure of foreign citizens from Gaza.”
Spoke with EU High Representative @JosepBorrellF today and reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. I underscored our priorities of protecting civilian lives, delivering humanitarian aid, and ensuring the safe departure of foreign citizens from Gaza.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) November 2, 2023