Israel-Gaza war: Blinken tells Netanyahu US ‘by Israel’s side’, Palestinians have ‘legitimate aspirations’
- Top diplomat Antony Blinken pledged US support for Israel but also said Palestinians have aspirations not represented by militant group Hamas
- His Middle East trip, with Jordan next, is aimed at trying to prevent the conflict spreading and will likely include other Arab countries too
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday reassured Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu of Washington’s support during a trip to the Middle East that aims to prevent the conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants from spreading.
Blinken has embarked on a multi-country Middle East tour as Israel unleashes the most powerful bombing campaign in the 75-year history of its conflict with the Palestinians, vowing to annihilate Hamas – which rules the Gaza Strip – in retribution for the militants’ weekend attacks.
Washington’s top diplomat will also try to help secure the release of hostages kidnapped by Hamas, some thought to be Americans, and advance talks with Israelis and Egyptians on providing a safe passage for Gaza civilians out of the enclave before a possible Israeli ground invasion.
Blinken’s trip also aims to send a deterrence message to Iran, which backs Hamas, to not get involved in the conflict.
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Soldiers find 'massacre' in Israeli village as air strikes continue to pummel Gaza
An hour after landing in Tel Aviv, Blinken shook hands with Netanyahu and told the prime minister: “We’re here, we’re not going anywhere,” footage from Netanyahu’s office showed.