ISLAMABAD: In a demonstration of solidarity and support, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Israel in the near future, amid the ongoing escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
In response to the unprecedented attack by Hamas, which has already claimed the lives of over 1,000 Israelis, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that Secretary of State Blinken’s visit to Israel aims to facilitate direct communication of their needs and concerns by the senior leadership in Israel.
The Secretary of State is scheduled to depart for Israel on Wednesday and is expected to arrive on Thursday, although the specific details of his itinerary are still being finalized. This visit underscores the enduring support of the United States for Israel during these challenging times.
President Joe Biden has consistently reaffirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Israel in the face of what he termed “abhorrent” attacks by Hamas. The President vowed that the US would stand firmly with Israel and provide all necessary support, emphasizing that terrorism can never be justified or excused.
The conflict erupted when Hamas launched a multi-pronged attack on Israel, invading multiple Israeli towns by land, sea, and air. In response, Israel initiated a counteroffensive, conducting airstrikes on Gaza since Saturday.
Regrettably, the violence has taken a heavy toll, with at least 830 Palestinian casualties in Gaza and the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. President Biden also confirmed that the number of Americans killed in the attacks has risen to 14.
US response and Humanitarian Crisis after hamas attack
Reports indicate that Hamas has taken over 150 hostages, including several Americans. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan clarified that while there are over 20 missing Americans, not all of them are necessarily held as hostages.
The Biden administration has been actively engaged since the outset of the crisis, holding daily meetings of the national security team and repositioning military assets in the region to assist Israel. This support includes providing munitions and interceptors for Israel’s Iron Dome.
Furthermore, a US carrier strike group, featuring the USS Gerald R. Ford, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the US Navy, along with missile cruisers and destroyers, has been deployed closer to the eastern Mediterranean to enhance regional deterrence efforts.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the death toll has risen to 1,800, with approximately 1,000 Israelis killed and 830 Palestinians reported as casualties. The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is deteriorating, with displaced Palestinians and escalating hostilities further exacerbating the situation.
