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Secretary of State Blinken met Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank amid growing global concern over escalating violence in the occupied territories, along with the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank on November 5, an event under tight security.
Secretary of State Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. This is Mr. Blinken's first visit to the West Bank since October 7.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, at Muqata, Ramallah city in the West Bank, November 5, 2023. Photo: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst |
The meeting took place in Ramallah amid growing global concerns over escalating violence in the occupied territories and the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip since October 7.
The visit to the West Bank was not announced in advance for security reasons and came after Mr. Blinken visited Jordan and neighboring Israel on November 3.
Since the outbreak of the war, Secretary of State Blinken has made three visits to Israel and has visited several other Arab countries.
After meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II, Secretary Blinken "expressed concern about the escalating violence in the West Bank and underscored the United States' commitment to working with partners toward a lasting and sustainable peace in the region," according to a statement.
On the evening of November 5, Secretary of State Blinken will visit the capital Ankara (Türkiye).
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