US Secretary Of State Assures Netanyahu Of Washington's Support: "We're Not Going Anywhere"

The conflict on the Gaza border enters its sixth day

Photo: Anadolu via Portal Connect

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Washington’s support during a trip to the Middle East to prevent the conflict with Hamas from spreading.

Blinken embarked on a crosscountry tour of the Middle East as Israel unleashed the most powerful bombing campaign in the 75year history of its conflict with the Palestinians, vowing to destroy Hamas which rules the Gaza Strip in retaliation for weekend attacks by a militant Group.

Washington’s top diplomat will also try to secure the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas, some of whom are believed to be Americans, and advance talks with Israelis and Egyptians to provide safe passage for Gazan civilians to leave the enclave before a possible attack Israeli can leave land invasion.

Blinken’s trip is also intended to send a signal of deterrence to Iran, which supports Hamas, so that it does not interfere in the conflict.

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An hour after landing in Tel Aviv, Blinken shook Netanyahu’s hand and told the prime minister: “We are here, we are not going anywhere,” footage from Netanyahu’s office showed.

After Israel, Blinken will travel to Jordan to meet with King Abdullah and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. It will likely continue in other Arab countries, U.S. officials say, without elaborating.