Blinken extends Israel trip to five Arab nations

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will extend his trip to Israel on Thursday to include the Arab nations of Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt October 11-15, 2023, where he will meet with senior officials," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Blinken will reiterate his "condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Israel in the strongest terms", said Miller, adding that the secretary "will also reaffirm the United States' solidarity with the government and people of Israel."

"The Secretary will engage regional partners on efforts to help prevent the conflict from spreading, secure the immediate and safe release of hostages, and identify mechanisms for the protection of civilians," Miller said in the statement.

Blinken arrived in Israel on Thursday to show US support for Israel in the aftermath of the Hamas attack this weekend.

"The message I bring with me is this: you may (be) strong enough on your own to defend yourselves but as long as America exists you will never have to," he said.