LIVE UPDATES: Blinken meets with Egypt, Jordan leaders following Israel cease-fire
Blinken says Egypt helping 'build something positive' in wake of violence
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made stops in Egypt and Jordan on Wednesday during his visit to the Middle East in the wake of the cease-fire reached between Israel and Hamas.
Blinken is now in Jordan to meet with King Abdullah II after visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in his country earlier today.
"I think we both believe strongly that Palestinians and Israelis deserve equally to, to live in safety and security to enjoy equal measures of freedom, opportunity and dignity. And we’re working on that together," Blinken said in Cairo on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FAST FACTS
- The truce that ended the Gaza war on Friday has so far held, but it did not address any of the deeper issues plaguing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Blinken repeatedly affirmed what he said was Israel’s right to defend itself, adding that the U.S. would assist Israel in replenishing its Iron Dome rocket-interception system.
Blinken on Tuesday reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Israel's security during a highly anticipated joint statement alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He also announced a $112 million package of assistance for the Palestinians and other humanitarian projects in Gaza.
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