US Secretary of State to Visit Israel This Week to Discuss Support Issues

Focus on Safe Hostage Release
"Israel Has the Right to Counter Terrorists"

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken will visit Israel, which was attacked by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, this week to discuss support measures.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Matthew Miller, State Department spokesperson, stated in a briefing on the 10th (local time), "Secretary Blinken will soon visit Israel to directly engage with the situation on the ground."

Miller said that Blinken plans to depart the U.S. on the 11th and arrive in Israel on the 12th.

He added, "Secretary Blinken will seek the best ways to support Israel's fight against the terrorists who carried out this horrific attack," and emphasized, "U.S. support for Israel remains unwavering."

He continued, "During this visit, Secretary Blinken is scheduled to meet with senior Israeli leaders," and explained, "Since the incident occurred on the 7th, President Joe Biden and Secretary Blinken have been in continuous discussions with Israeli leadership."

He also highlighted that the U.S. is focusing on efforts to secure the release of hostages. Miller said, "Currently, Secretary Blinken is concentrating on the safe release of all hostages taken to the Gaza Strip," and added, "At this point, the U.S. government is not planning any military operations."

Regarding the numerous civilian casualties in Palestine due to Israel's retaliatory actions, he defended Israel by saying, "Israel has the right to defend itself and conduct operations." He emphasized, "Israel has the right to take action against terrorists who carried out brutal attacks causing casualties among its own citizens as well as Americans."

On claims that Iran is behind Hamas, he stated, "There is no information proving that Iran directed or was behind Hamas's attack," but added, "Iran may have been aware that Hamas was planning an attack on Israel." He further noted, "However, we have yet to see any evidence that they directly supported this attack."

When asked about the possibility of North Korea's connection with Hamas, Miller responded, "We have clearly expressed concerns about any country supporting Hamas."

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