Blinken from Tel Aviv: I Will Discuss with Israel the Delivery of Aid to Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated upon his arrival in Tel Aviv today, Friday, that he will discuss with Israeli officials his country’s efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, as well as Israel's right to defend itself. Blinken added via his account on the "X" platform that he will hold meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The Jordanian Foreign Ministry mentioned on Thursday that Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi will meet Blinken on Saturday in Amman to emphasize the need to stop the Israeli war on Gaza. As the escalation and fighting between the Israeli army and Hamas continues for four weeks without interruption, Blinken arrived in Israel today for the second time since the war began, as part of a new regional tour, before proceeding to Jordan, which recalled its ambassador in Tel Aviv in protest of the bombing of Gaza. Blinken is expected to renew his country's support for Israel while also applying pressure on all parties involved to facilitate the evacuation of all Americans from Gaza and the release of foreign prisoners held by Hamas. The Israeli army has stated that Hamas is holding 242 hostages, some of whom are foreigners. Before leaving Washington on Thursday, Blinken said he would discuss during his visit to Israel the "concrete steps" that should be taken to reduce civilian harm in Gaza amid increasing warnings of rising casualties due to Israeli bombardment of the territory.