US stands with Israel: Antony Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to stand with Israel against Hamas, expressing understanding and determination.

In a powerful show of support, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed the United States' commitment to standing with Israel amidst the ongoing war with terror group Hamas. Blinken expressed his understanding of the horrific situation Israel faced following the brutal attack by Hamas, acknowledging the deep determination within Israel to prevail. Addressing the media, Blinken emphasized that the US stands with Israel "today, tomorrow, and every day," as it defends its people and shared values.

Blinken's words carried weight as he described the unimaginable experiences Israel has endured at the hands of Hamas in recent days. He acknowledged the lasting impact of these events, stating, "What we've seen, I think, will be very hard to erase from our minds and certainly our hearts." However, he also sensed a fierce determination within Israel to overcome these challenges, assuring that the United States is committed to being a partner in their defense.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude towards Blinken and the US for their unwavering support. Herzog emphasized that the security and defense of the Israeli people is of the utmost priority. He highlighted the significance of preventing such tragic events from occurring again, stating, "the sense of security and defense that the people of Israel deserve is something which is of highest priority so that these pictures will never occur." Herzog thanked Blinken for his friendship and visit, expressing hope that it would contribute to the fight for security and ultimately pave the way for a vision of peace.

Earlier in the day, Blinken met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reiterating the US' commitment to supporting Israel. He delivered a powerful message, stating, "you may be strong enough on your own to defend yourself, but as long as America exists, you will never, ever have to. We will always be there by your side." This message, according to The Times of Israel, has been consistently conveyed by President Joe Biden since the start of the crisis.

The toll of the Hamas attack on Israel has been devastating, with a reported death toll of 1,300 and over 3,300 injured. Among the injured, 28 are in critical condition and 350 are in serious condition. Additionally, the fate of approximately 150 people who were abducted and taken to the Gaza Strip during the attack remains uncertain.

In conclusion, Secretary of State Antony Blinken's reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to Israel in the face of the ongoing war with Hamas demonstrates a strong alliance and solidarity. The US stands firmly with Israel, acknowledging the unimaginable challenges they have faced and expressing a determination to support their defense. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed gratitude for the continuous support, emphasizing the importance of security and defense for the Israeli people. The meeting between Blinken and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further solidified the US' commitment to Israel's security. The devastating toll of the Hamas attack serves as a reminder of the urgency to prevent such tragedies in the future.