Please register to access this content.
To continue viewing the content you love, please sign in or create a new account
Dismiss
This content is for our paying subscribers only

World Mena

Blinken says at least 25 Americans killed in Hamas attack

Washington working closely with Israel to secure release of people taken hostage, he says



US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (left) and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu give statements to the media inside The Kirya, which houses the Israeli Defence Ministry, after their meeting in Tel Aviv on October 12, 2023.
Image Credit: AFP

TEL AVIV: At least 25 Americans have been killed in the attack by Palestinian Islamist Hamas militants in Israel, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday, during a trip to show solidarity with Israel.

In a joint statement with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, Blinken said Washington was working closely with Israel to secure the release of people taken hostage by Hamas.

Blinken vowed that the United States will “always” back Israel but said the Palestinians also had “legitimate aspirations” not represented by militant group Hamas.

“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,” Blinken said.

Advertisement