Secretary Blinken’s Meetings with Community Leaders

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Jewish community leaders and, separately, with representatives of the Arab- and Palestinian-American communities. In both discussions, the Secretary condemned Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, outlined his recent engagements and travel to the Middle East, and described the United States’ efforts to see to it that all civilians are protected and to prevent the widening of the conflict. He stressed that no civilian life is worth more than another — whether Christian, Jewish, or Muslim – and emphasized ongoing U.S. efforts to facilitate a steady flow of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, as we work with partners across the region to secure the release of additional hostages. He made clear that the United States continues to support the Palestinian people and a two-state solution and reiterated that Hamas does not represent Palestinians. He strongly condemned racist, antisemitic, Islamophobic, and anti-Palestinian incidents, including appalling violence in this country and around the world, and underscored that hate has no place in America or anywhere else. The Secretary invited participants to share their perspectives, listened to the ideas put forward, and pledged that the Department would remain in close contact with their organizations and broader communities.