Blinken to leave for Israel today

Washington, Oct 11

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that he will travel to Israel on Wednesday "to engage with our Israeli partners directly about the situation on the ground" as the conflict with the Hamas militant group has continued for a fifth consecutive day.

In a post on X late Tuesday night, Blinken said: "Tomorrow, I will leave for Israel to engage with our Israeli partners directly about the situation on the ground and to discuss ways we can continue to support them in the fight against these terrorist attacks.

"Our support for Israel remains unwavering."

Blinken will be the first top official from President Joe Biden's administration to travel to the Jewish nation since the Hamas launched the unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7.

According to the State Department, Blinken "will also discuss measures to bolster Israel’s security and underscore the United States’ unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself".

From Israel, he will travel to Jordan, where he will meet senior officials, it added.

So far, at least 14 Americans have been killed and some 20 others remain unaccounted for in the ensuing violence.