Surprise visit to the West Bank by the US Secretary of State
According to the written statement from the Palestinian president’s office, Blinken and Abbas met in the West Bank.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement to reporters that no details were shared until after Blinken’s visit was complete for “security reasons.” Miller noted that Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza during the meeting and stated that he “clearly stated that Palestinians cannot be forcibly displaced.”
Stating that Blinken and Abbas discussed “restoring calm and stability” in the West Bank, Miller said Blinken also drew attention to the importance of “stopping extremist violence against Palestinians in the region and holding those responsible accountable.”
On the other hand, although Blinken’s visit was not announced, protests were organized after some rumors were heard. Protesters reacted to US support for Israel by burning Blinken’s photo. (AA)