Blinken and Herzog coordinate efforts for “safe” hostage release

IIsrael today increased the number of people captured by the Islamist group Hamas during the October 7 attack to 199, 44 more than the previous count.

According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, the head of US diplomacy, Antony Blinken, reaffirmed in the meeting with Isaac Herzog Washington’s commitment to providing Israel with the necessary assistance to protect its citizens.

Blinken and Herzog further discussed “ongoing coordination to focus on the safety and security of civilians placed in harm’s way by Hamas and efforts to ensure the quick and safe release of the hostages,” according to a statement.

Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv today, from Egypt, on his second visit to Israel since the start of the war, to try to mediate a temporary ceasefire that allows the entry of humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza.

In addition to the Israeli President, the leader of North American diplomacy also met with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, from whom he received an update on the situation on the ground.

Blinken also discussed with Netanyahu the close coordination he maintains with the United Nations and regional partners to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians, according to the same briefing note.

The Islamist group Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on October 7 with the launch of thousands of rockets and the incursion of armed militiamen by land, sea and air.

In response, Israel has been bombing several Hamas infrastructures in the Gaza Strip and imposed a siege on the territory, cutting off water, fuel and electricity supplies.

The attacks have already caused thousands of deaths and injuries in both territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is “at war” with Hamas.

Tel Aviv has been gathering troops near the territory of the Gaza Strip, an enclave controlled by the Islamist group since 2007, in preparation for a likely offensive against Hamas.

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