Amid Blinken's Visit, Israel Begins Massive Bombardment of Gaza Strip

Israel has carried out massive bombardments in the Gaza Strip targeting 'HAMAS' positions, according to the Israel Defense Forces, without providing further details. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has traveled to the region to meet leaders from both sides of the conflict.

On Thursday morning around 4:30 AM, Israeli military officials reported that they were delivering a 'large-scale strike' against HAMAS-related sites in Gaza. Witnesses have reported that Israeli aviation has heavily bombed Gaza City, and authorities in Gaza have also reported an air strike on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.

President Biden has dispatched his senior diplomat to the Middle East to demonstrate Washington's ongoing support for Israel, secure the release of hostages, including American citizens, and prevent the outbreak of a wider war.

Blinken is set to arrive on Thursday and will also visit Jordan but will not travel to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he typically meets with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Blinken and Abbas are expected to meet on Friday, according to Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organization's Executive Committee, who announced this on social media platform X without providing further details.