Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to Israel in a significant show of support and solidarity. This announcement comes in response to an unprecedented attack by Hamas that has already claimed the lives of over 1,000 Israelis, as stated by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
The primary objective of Blinken’s visit is to offer a platform for Israel’s senior leadership to directly express their needs and concerns. Miller disclosed that the Secretary of State’s departure for Israel is scheduled for Wednesday, with an expected arrival on Thursday.
While the specific details of Blinken’s itinerary are still being worked out, the visit underscores the enduring support of the United States for Israel during these challenging times. President Joe Biden has consistently reiterated the unwavering commitment of the United States to Israel.
Confronting what he described as “abhorrent” attacks by Hamas, President Biden pledged unwavering support for Israel, vowing to provide all necessary assistance. He made it clear that Israel would receive the required resources to protect its citizens, defend itself, and respond to the attacks. President Biden stressed that terrorism can never be justified or excused.
The conflict initially erupted when Hamas launched a multifaceted 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 exacted 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. Reports suggest 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 onset of the crisis. Daily meetings of the national security team have been convened, and military assets have been repositioned in the region to assist Israel. This support includes the provision of munitions and interceptors for Israel’s Iron Dome.
Furthermore, a U.S. carrier strike group, featuring the USS Gerald R. Ford, the most advanced aircraft carrier in the U.S. 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 intensify, 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.