China displayed its military might in the Taiwan Strait in the days leading up to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China. Earlier this week, China sent warships and fighter jets near Taiwan. Day after that Beijing released rare footage of its JL-2 ballistic missile, essentially showing off its nuclear second-strike capability.

Gravitas: China flexes military power near Taiwan, showcases nuclear missile ahead of Blinken visit

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences "responsibly" as he went on a charm offensive ahead of expected tough talks.

A day before meeting Beijing's top brass, Blinken visited the bustling metropolis of Shanghai where he sampled local food, watched a basketball game and strolled along the city's famous Bund promenade on the busy Huangpu River.

Visiting the local Communist Party leader in a reception room with sweeping views of the Shanghai skyline, Blinken said President Joe Biden was committed to "direct and sustained" dialogue between the world's two largest economies after years of mounting tension.

"I think it's important to underscore the value — in fact, the necessity -- of direct engagement, of speaking to each other, laying out our differences, which are real, seeking to work through them," Blinken said.

"We have an obligation for our people — indeed an obligation to the world -- to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly," Blinken said.

The Chinese Communist Party secretary for Shanghai, Chen Jining, welcomed Blinken partly in English and spoke of the importance of US businesses to the city.

"Whether we choose cooperation or confrontation affects the well-being of both peoples, both countries and the future of humanity," Chen told him.

Shanghai, the country's financial capital, is often a stepping stone to power in China, with President Xi Jinping previously serving in the city.&nbsp;

China has not announced plans for Blinken to meet Xi, although on Blinken's last visit in June they saw each other in a meeting announced at the last minute.

Blinken, the first US Secretary of State in 14 years to visit Shanghai, opened his trip Wednesday evening at a restaurant serving steamed buns.&nbsp;

Sporting a tieless suit, he ate with his senior staff outside on wooden chairs in a shopping arcade as curious onlookers snapped pictures.

Blinken then went to a basketball stadium, watching a nail-biting playoff game between the Shanghai Sharks and Zhejiang Golden Bulls until the end.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences "responsibly" as he went on a charm offensive ahead of expected tough talks.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Thursday on the United States and China to manage their differences "responsibly" as he went on a charm offensive ahead of expected tough talks. A day before meeting Beijing's top brass, Blinken visited the bustling metropolis of Shanghai where he sampled local food, watched a basketball game and strolled along the city's famous Bund promenade on the busy Huangpu River. Visiting the local Communist Party leader in a reception room with sweeping views of the Shanghai skyline, Blinken said President Joe Biden was committed to "direct and sustained" dialogue between the world's two largest economies after years of mounting tension. "I think it's important to underscore the value — in fact, the necessity -- of direct engagement, of speaking to each other, laying out our differences, which are real, seeking to work through them," Blinken said. "We have an obligation for our people — indeed an obligation to the world -- to manage the relationship between our two countries responsibly," Blinken said. The Chinese Communist Party secretary for Shanghai, Chen Jining, welcomed Blinken partly in English and spoke of the importance of US businesses to the city. "Whether we choose cooperation or confrontation affects the well-being of both peoples, both countries and the future of humanity," Chen told him. Shanghai, the country's financial capital, is often a stepping stone to power in China, with President Xi Jinping previously serving in the city. China has not announced plans for Blinken to meet Xi, although on Blinken's last visit in June they saw each other in a meeting announced at the last minute. Blinken, the first US Secretary of State in 14 years to visit Shanghai, opened his trip Wednesday evening at a restaurant serving steamed buns. Sporting a tieless suit, he ate with his senior staff outside on wooden chairs in a shopping arcade as curious onlookers snapped pictures. Blinken then went to a basketball stadium, watching a nail-biting playoff game between the Shanghai Sharks and Zhejiang Golden Bulls until the end.

Blinken calls for US, China to manage differences 'responsibly'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's welcome in China was a bit unusual. Notably, the top Diplomat did not receive a red carpet welcome and there were only a few officers to greet him. On his second day of the visit, he met with China's top official in Shanghai on Thursday as Beijing and Washington are trying to iron out wrinkles in their ties.

Blinken’s Visit to China: US Secy of State Blinken to meet Chinese counterparty Wang Yi on Friday

Blinken’s Visit to China: US Secy of State Antony Blinken holds meeting with top Shanghai official

Top American diplomat Antony Blinken has departed for China for three days the visit comes at a time when Washington-Beijing ties at a critical point over numerous global disputes.

Antony Blinken in China: US Secretary of State to discuss key issues with top Chinese officials

Top American diplomat Anthony Blinken has departed for China for three days the visit comes at a time when Washington-Beijing ties at a critical point over numerous global disputes.

US' Antony Blinken in China: Peace in South China Sea on agenda?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrives in China on a 3-day visit

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Gaza mass graves: UN calls for probe - Iran's President Raisi arrives in Sri Lanka - Antony Blinken arrives in China - Ukraine strikes Russian oil facilities - Russian official detained for alleged bribe-taking - UK: Big jump in defence spending

Antony Blinken arrives in China | UK: Big jump in defence spending | WION Headlines

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has rejected suggestions that Washington might have double standards. This is of course when applying a US law to allegations of abuses by the Israeli military in Gaza.

Antony Blinken looking into human rights abuses in Gaza, says 'we apply same standards to everyone'

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged not to give Israel the benefit of a “double standard” amid a controversy with Jerusalem about potential sanctions on an Israeli military unit. Watch in for more details!

No double standard when it comes to human rights and Israel, says Antony Blinken

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will visit China from April 24th to 26th. According to the US State Department, he will hold talks on bilateral and global issues with Chinese officials. Watch in for more details!

US secretary of state Antony Blinken to visit China

US: Antony Blinken to visit China to prevent conflict and manage rivalry

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken repeatedly declined to confirm a reported Israeli attack on Iran on Friday, saying Washington has not been involved in any offensive operations and it was committed to de-escalating tensions in the region.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says US not involved in Iran incident

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a session during the G7 Foreign Ministers meeting on Capri Island, Italy. During the summit he said that Washington is committed to Israel’s security. Watch in to know more!

US State Secretary Antony Blinken speaks at G7 foreign ministers summit in Capri

In an upcoming China visit, US Secrectary of State, Antony Blinken is expected to raise concerns that Beijing is helping Russia build up its defence industrial base to fight the war in Ukraine.

China backing Russian military expansion, says US | Blinken to raise concerns dusring China visit

US warns China not to aid Russia's war efforts | Blinken to raise concerns during China visit

British Foreign Minister David Cameron will meet Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday during his US trip and press lawmakers in Congress to pass an aid package for Ukraine while also discussing the Israel-Gaza war.

UK's David Cameron to meet Antony Blinken during US trip

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron reiterated their countries’ support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia, on Tuesday (Apr 9), and urged the United States House of Representatives to pass a bill for aid to Kyiv.&nbsp;

<h2>US, UK reiterate support for Ukraine</h2>

“We know that if we give the Ukrainians the support they deserve, they can win this war,” said Cameron, during a joint press conference with Blinken amid his visit to Washington.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Washington’s top diplomat said that it is “imperative” that the US House vote on Ukraine aid “as quickly as possible,” as it is back in session.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian 'glide bombs' changing the face of war in Ukraine

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This comes as House speaker and Republican Mike Johnson, on Monday (Apr 8) returned to work amid mounting pressure from some members of his own party who have opposed passing a bill that would send additional aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden’s administration has requested a supplemental budget which includes money for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The bill includes $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine but has been stuck in the US House for months.

Blinken, on Tuesday, called this request “urgent,” saying that the US needs to do its part to support Ukraine along with European and other allies.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-would-lose-war-against-russia-if-us-congress-blocks-military-aid-says-zelensky-708751">Ukraine would lose war against Russia if US Congress blocks military aid, says Zelensky</a>

In February, the Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid package, but after weeks of back and forth, it was rejected by the House. Johnson later indicated that the House would consider an amended proposal.&nbsp;

Cameron, citing his Ukrainian counterpart, said that Kyiv needs air defences, ammunition and money. “Nothing is more important than the supplemental request the Congress is looking at the moment,” said the UK foreign secretary.&nbsp;

<h2>Cameron’s meeting with Trump</h2>

Ahead of his meeting with Blinken in Washington, Cameron met with former US President Donald Trump, on Monday (Apr 8) at the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s Florida home.&nbsp;

Cameron and Trump discussed the war in Ukraine and the “need for NATO countries to meet their defense spending requirements,” said the Republican frontrunner’s campaign.&nbsp;

The UK foreign secretary has been urging Republicans to approve the aid package, which has particularly angered hard-right members of the GOP, including Marjorie Taylor Greene.&nbsp;

In an interview with Sky News, last month, Greene said that Cameron “needs to worry about his own country and, frankly, he can kiss my ass.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/appeals-judge-rejects-trumps-bid-to-postpone-start-of-hush-money-trial-for-gag-order-challenge-709550">Appeals Judge rejects Trump's bid to postpone start of hush money trial for gag order challenge</a>

Over dinner at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago estate, the two also discussed “the upcoming U.S. and UK elections, policy matters specific to Brexit, the need for NATO countries to meet their defense spending requirements, and ending the killing in Ukraine,” said Trump’s campaign in a statement.&nbsp;

Cameron, on Tuesday, said that he and Trump “discussed a range of important geopolitical subjects.”&nbsp;

He also said that his meeting with the former president was “entirely proper” and is not uncommon for British ministers to speak with opposition politicians in the run-up to elections.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron reiterated their countries’ support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia, on Tuesday (Apr 9), and urged the United States House of Representatives to pass a bill for aid to Kyiv.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron reiterated their countries’ support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia, on Tuesday (Apr 9), and urged the United States House of Representatives to pass a bill for aid to Kyiv. US, UK reiterate support for Ukraine “We know that if we give the Ukrainians the support they deserve, they can win this war,” said Cameron, during a joint press conference with Blinken amid his visit to Washington. Meanwhile, Washington’s top diplomat said that it is “imperative” that the US House vote on Ukraine aid “as quickly as possible,” as it is back in session. WATCH | Russian 'glide bombs' changing the face of war in Ukraine This comes as House speaker and Republican Mike Johnson, on Monday (Apr 8) returned to work amid mounting pressure from some members of his own party who have opposed passing a bill that would send additional aid to Ukraine. President Joe Biden’s administration has requested a supplemental budget which includes money for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The bill includes $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine but has been stuck in the US House for months. Blinken, on Tuesday, called this request “urgent,” saying that the US needs to do its part to support Ukraine along with European and other allies. Also Read | Ukraine would lose war against Russia if US Congress blocks military aid, says Zelensky In February, the Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid package, but after weeks of back and forth, it was rejected by the House. Johnson later indicated that the House would consider an amended proposal. Cameron, citing his Ukrainian counterpart, said that Kyiv needs air defences, ammunition and money. “Nothing is more important than the supplemental request the Congress is looking at the moment,” said the UK foreign secretary. Cameron’s meeting with Trump Ahead of his meeting with Blinken in Washington, Cameron met with former US President Donald Trump, on Monday (Apr 8) at the presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s Florida home. Cameron and Trump discussed the war in Ukraine and the “need for NATO countries to meet their defense spending requirements,” said the Republican frontrunner’s campaign. The UK foreign secretary has been urging Republicans to approve the aid package, which has particularly angered hard-right members of the GOP, including Marjorie Taylor Greene. In an interview with Sky News, last month, Greene said that Cameron “needs to worry about his own country and, frankly, he can kiss my ass.” Also Read | Appeals Judge rejects Trump's bid to postpone start of hush money trial for gag order challenge Over dinner at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago estate, the two also discussed “the upcoming U.S. and UK elections, policy matters specific to Brexit, the need for NATO countries to meet their defense spending requirements, and ending the killing in Ukraine,” said Trump’s campaign in a statement. Cameron, on Tuesday, said that he and Trump “discussed a range of important geopolitical subjects.” He also said that his meeting with the former president was “entirely proper” and is not uncommon for British ministers to speak with opposition politicians in the run-up to elections. (With inputs from agencies)

US and UK are committed to supporting Ukraine, says Blinken; David Cameron meets Trump

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with France's Minister of Defense in Paris. Both the leaders discussed the ongoing collaboration with Europe in supporting Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

US' Antony Blinken grounded due to aircraft mechanical issue

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken drives to Brussels for NATO meeting as aircraft grounded

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s aircraft encountered a mechanical issue in Paris, on Wednesday (Apr 3) reported Reuters, forcing him and his delegation to drive to Brussels.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened to Blinken’s aircraft?</h2>

Washington’s top diplomat got stuck in another country yet again due to his aircraft, this time in the French capital. He was later forced to drive to Brussels, Belgium for a meeting of NATO alliance foreign ministers, a State Department spokesperson said.

According to the spokesperson, the US Air Force jet that had brought Blinken to France on Tuesday (Apr 2) experienced some mechanical issue.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-weighs-in-on-multi-year-commitments-to-support-ukraine-for-long-haul-707327">NATO chief weighs in on 'multi-year' commitments to support Ukraine for 'long haul'</a>

Blinken’s delegation was forced to drive from Paris to the NATO headquarters in Brussels after his aircraft, an older model of the Boeing 737, which had been modified to be used by the US government was grounded, reported Bloomberg.

The distance between the two capitals is more than 300 kilometres. The details about the mechanical issue that Blinken’s aircraft encountered this time were not immediately known.&nbsp;

<h2>Not the first time</h2>

In January, Blinken was briefly stuck in Davos, Switzerland and had to switch planes after his aircraft suffered a “critical failure” due to an oxygen leak. At the time, a separate plane was sent to bring Washington’s top diplomat and his aides back to the US.&nbsp;

The technical issues with Blinken’s aircraft also come at a time when Boeing is facing intense scrutiny, particularly since the near-catastrophic mid-air blowout involving its Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines.&nbsp;

<h2>Blinken in Paris</h2>

Washington’s top diplomat is in the midst of a European tour and arrived in Paris on Tuesday. In the French capital, he held talks with senior officials of the country, including President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

Blinken also arrived hours after members of the Washington-based NGO, World Central Kitchen (WCK) were struck by an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-us-diplomat-antony-blinken-briefly-stuck-in-davos-after-plane-faces-critical-failure-681081">&nbsp;Top US diplomat Antony Blinken briefly stuck in Davos after plane faces ‘critical failure’</a>

“We’ve spoken directly to the Israeli government about this particular incident. We’ve urged a swift, a thorough and impartial investigation,” said Washington’s top diplomat during a press conference in Paris, adding that humanitarian workers have to be protected.

However, he stopped short of directly condemning the attack, unlike his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne who voiced France’s “firm condemnation” of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-netanyahu-speaks-on-aid-workers-death-in-gaza-after-getting-discharged-in-excellent-condition-706934"> Israeli airstrike</a>. He added, “Nothing can justify such a tragedy.”&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden and his administration is facing pressure from the international community, human rights groups and some of his fellow Democrats over their support for Israel amid the ongoing war and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s aircraft encountered a mechanical issue in Paris, on Wednesday (Apr 3) reported Reuters, forcing him and his delegation to drive to Brussels.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s aircraft encountered a mechanical issue in Paris, on Wednesday (Apr 3) reported Reuters, forcing him and his delegation to drive to Brussels. What happened to Blinken’s aircraft? Washington’s top diplomat got stuck in another country yet again due to his aircraft, this time in the French capital. He was later forced to drive to Brussels, Belgium for a meeting of NATO alliance foreign ministers, a State Department spokesperson said. According to the spokesperson, the US Air Force jet that had brought Blinken to France on Tuesday (Apr 2) experienced some mechanical issue. Also Read | NATO chief weighs in on 'multi-year' commitments to support Ukraine for 'long haul' Blinken’s delegation was forced to drive from Paris to the NATO headquarters in Brussels after his aircraft, an older model of the Boeing 737, which had been modified to be used by the US government was grounded, reported Bloomberg. The distance between the two capitals is more than 300 kilometres. The details about the mechanical issue that Blinken’s aircraft encountered this time were not immediately known. Not the first time In January, Blinken was briefly stuck in Davos, Switzerland and had to switch planes after his aircraft suffered a “critical failure” due to an oxygen leak. At the time, a separate plane was sent to bring Washington’s top diplomat and his aides back to the US. The technical issues with Blinken’s aircraft also come at a time when Boeing is facing intense scrutiny, particularly since the near-catastrophic mid-air blowout involving its Boeing 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines. Blinken in Paris Washington’s top diplomat is in the midst of a European tour and arrived in Paris on Tuesday. In the French capital, he held talks with senior officials of the country, including President Emmanuel Macron. Blinken also arrived hours after members of the Washington-based NGO, World Central Kitchen (WCK) were struck by an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Also Read | Top US diplomat Antony Blinken briefly stuck in Davos after plane faces ‘critical failure’ “We’ve spoken directly to the Israeli government about this particular incident. We’ve urged a swift, a thorough and impartial investigation,” said Washington’s top diplomat during a press conference in Paris, adding that humanitarian workers have to be protected. However, he stopped short of directly condemning the attack, unlike his French counterpart Stephane Sejourne who voiced France’s “firm condemnation” of the Israeli airstrike. He added, “Nothing can justify such a tragedy.” US President Joe Biden and his administration is facing pressure from the international community, human rights groups and some of his fellow Democrats over their support for Israel amid the ongoing war and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken’s aircraft faces mechanical issue in Paris

NATO mulls 'Trump-proof' aid package for Kyiv, Blinken renews calls for Congress to release aid

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to go to France and Belgium next week to try to build unity among allies in support of Ukraine in its war against Russia and of Israel in its war against Hamas. Watch in for more details!

Antony Blinken to visit France, Belgium next week

Benjamin Netanyahu told the top US diplomat Antony Blinken on Friday that Israel was prepared to "do it alone" if Washington opposes its plans for an assault on Rafah, the Gaza city where more than a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering.

Netanyahu tells Blinken Israel will 'do it alone' in Rafah push

Anthony Blinken has arrived in Israel for another round of talks with the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. America's top Diplomat is on a mission to convince Netanyahu to push for a ceasefire deal even as the UN has presented a draft resolution for an immediate ceasefire at the UNSC. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken meets with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, pushes for more aid for Gaza

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently on a tour of the Middle East, said on Wednesday (Mar 20) that Washington submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war linked to the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with the Saudi Al-Hadath channel, he said,&nbsp;"We have in fact submitted a resolution which is now before the Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire linked to the release of the hostages, and we very much hope that countries will support it."

Blinken said that a good offer was given to Hamas, but the Palestinian militant group did not accept it. "If Hamas cares about the residents of Gaza, it will reach an agreement," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Blinken's sixth tour to Middle East</h2>

Blinken started his Middle East tour, his sixth since the war began,&nbsp;on Wednesday by holding talks in Saudi Arabia. He met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-nearly-70-former-us-officials-urge-president-biden-to-warn-israel-of-consequences-if-702457">Gaza war: Nearly 70 former US officials urge President Biden to warn Israel of consequences if...</a>

According to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken and Prince Faisal had discussed the urgent need to protect all civilians in Gaza and immediately increase humanitarian assistance, and underlined the importance of preparing for the phase following the end of the conflict.

Blinken also met Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.&nbsp;

From Saudi Arabia, Blinken will go to Egypt where he will meet the foreign ministers of six Arab countries and the envoy of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. On Friday, Blinken will be in Israel and hold a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the war cabinet.

<h2>Fighting intensifies in northern Gaza</h2>

Blinken's Middle East tour comes as fighting has intensified in recent days in northern parts of Gaza captured by Israeli forces early in the war, including the Al Shifa hospital.

On Wednesday, the Israeli military said it had killed around 90 gunmen and arrested 160 in a raid on the hospital. "Over the past day, the troops have eliminated terrorists and located weapons in the hospital area, while preventing harm to civilians, patients, medical teams, and medical equipment," the military said in a statement.

Also watch |&nbsp;US Secy of State Antony Blinken meets Saudi crown-prince in Jeddah

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The military added it had sent in special forces supported by infantry and tanks, based on intelligence that the hospital was again being used by gunmen. However, Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of Gaza's Hamas-run government media office, told the news agency Reuters that all of those killed had been wounded patients and displaced persons inside the hospital.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently on a tour of the Middle East, said on Wednesday (Mar 20) that Washington submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war linked to the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently on a tour of the Middle East, said on Wednesday (Mar 20) that Washington submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war linked to the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with the Saudi Al-Hadath channel, he said, "We have in fact submitted a resolution which is now before the Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire linked to the release of the hostages, and we very much hope that countries will support it." Blinken said that a good offer was given to Hamas, but the Palestinian militant group did not accept it. "If Hamas cares about the residents of Gaza, it will reach an agreement," he added. Blinken's sixth tour to Middle East Blinken started his Middle East tour, his sixth since the war began, on Wednesday by holding talks in Saudi Arabia. He met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Also watch | Gaza war: Nearly 70 former US officials urge President Biden to warn Israel of consequences if... According to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken and Prince Faisal had discussed the urgent need to protect all civilians in Gaza and immediately increase humanitarian assistance, and underlined the importance of preparing for the phase following the end of the conflict. Blinken also met Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. From Saudi Arabia, Blinken will go to Egypt where he will meet the foreign ministers of six Arab countries and the envoy of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. On Friday, Blinken will be in Israel and hold a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of the war cabinet. Fighting intensifies in northern Gaza Blinken's Middle East tour comes as fighting has intensified in recent days in northern parts of Gaza captured by Israeli forces early in the war, including the Al Shifa hospital. On Wednesday, the Israeli military said it had killed around 90 gunmen and arrested 160 in a raid on the hospital. "Over the past day, the troops have eliminated terrorists and located weapons in the hospital area, while preventing harm to civilians, patients, medical teams, and medical equipment," the military said in a statement. Also watch | US Secy of State Antony Blinken meets Saudi crown-prince in Jeddah × The military added it had sent in special forces supported by infantry and tanks, based on intelligence that the hospital was again being used by gunmen. However, Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of Gaza's Hamas-run government media office, told the news agency Reuters that all of those killed had been wounded patients and displaced persons inside the hospital. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: US submitted draft resolution to UNSC calling for immediate truce, says Blinken

On Wednesday the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken began his sixth West Asia tour since the onset of the Gaza War by holding talks in Saudi Arabia. On the agenda are meetings with Arab foreign ministers and a top Palestinian officials in Egypt...Watch in for more details!

US' Antony Blinken meets Saudi Crown Prince in Jeddah

Antony Blinken meets Saudi Arabia's crown prince in Jeddah | Blinken's 6th West Asia tour

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Israel-Hamas war: IDF air strike in West Bank kills 4 militants. Netanyahu tells Republicans Gaza offensive will continue. US Secretary of State meets Saudi Crown Prince in Jeddah. Centre government leader Luis Montenegro to form minority government in Portugal. Watch to know more!

Israel strikes West Bank | Luis Montenegro appointed as Portugal's new PM

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in South Korea on the first stop of a brief Asia tour also including the Philippines. Blinken met South Korean President and also attended the third Summit for Democracy on Monday. Watch in for more details!

Antony Blinken meets South Korean President, discusses North Korea

The top American diplomat Anthony Blinken has assured the Phillipines, a key Washington ally of America's support amid heightened tensions with China.

US: Antony Blinken underscores 'Ironclad' support for the Phillipines

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