U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv, Israel, and is scheduled to meet with Israeli and Palestinian officials, major foreign media including CNN reported on the 12th (local time).
According to reports, Secretary Blinken visited Tel Aviv to discuss the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas. He is expected to meet with Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority governing the West Bank.
During this visit, Secretary Blinken is likely to reaffirm support for Israel. Before departing, he told reporters, "I am going with a very simple and clear message," adding, "The United States supports Israel."
The issue of Americans kidnapped by Hamas and the situation of civilians in the Gaza Strip are also expected to be discussed. Secretary Blinken previously stated in a meeting with reporters that discussions are underway regarding a humanitarian corridor to allow civilians in the Gaza Strip, where airstrikes are currently ongoing, to leave via Egypt.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Iranian Foreign Minister made an urgent visit to Lebanon. Lebanon is home to Hezbollah, which maintains close ties with Hamas. Hezbollah has been engaged in ongoing clashes for several days following Hamas's attack on Israel.
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