Top US diplomat to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders to build on the ceasefire Egypt brokered in Gaza. Mr Blinken is expected to visit Israel, the West Bank, Jordan and Egypt on his trip, which comes after the Biden administration faced criticism for its initial response to the conflict.

Palestinian children play next to buildings damaged by air strikes in northern Gaza. Source: AAP

After 11 days of violence between Israel and Hamas, US President Joe Biden dispatched his top diplomat to the Middle East to discuss the way forward.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's mission will be focused on maintaining peace.

Mr Blinken will travel to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Cairo and Amman to speak with Middle Eastern leaders, in the Biden administration's highest level in-person meetings on the crisis.

 

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