The arrival of the U.S. secretary of state is part of a diplomatic tour to show support for Israel following deadly attacks by Hamas militants. Meanwhile, a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza.
Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, left, welcomes U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken upon arrival at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Lod, on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, on Oct. 12, 2023.Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, left, welcomes U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken upon arrival at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Lod, on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, on Oct. 12, 2023.TEL AVIV, Israel — U.S.
Blinken also will try to secure the freedom of hostages kidnapped by Hamas from last weekend's incursion into Israel. There are an estimated 150 people being held hostage by Hamas, including an unknown number of Americans. Overnight heading into Thursday, Israel continued to mobilize troops along the country's border with the Gaza Strip and extended its bombardments. The Associated Press reported that Israeli military Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said Thursday that forces"are preparing for a ground maneuver if decided," but the country's political leadership has not yet ordered one.
President Biden is urging Israel publicly and privately to get humanitarian supplies into Gaza. The U.S. is asking Israel to"introduce some sort of respect for humanitarian concerns into their equations," a senior U.S. official said.
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