Blinken makes 'surprise' visit to West Bank: Meets with Mahmoud Abbas

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid a "surprise" visit to the West Bank as part of his Middle East tour and met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

According to a written statement from the Palestinian Presidential Office, Blinken and Abbas met in the West Bank.

According to the report on NTV; US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated to reporters that no details were shared until Blinken's visit was completed due to "security reasons."

Miller noted that during the meeting, Blinken reiterated the US commitment to the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and conveyed that he "stated clearly that Palestinians cannot be forcibly displaced."

Stating that Blinken and Abbas discussed the "restoration of calm and stability" in the West Bank, Miller said that Blinken also drew attention to the importance of "stopping extremist violence against Palestinians in the region and holding those responsible accountable."

FIRST VISIT SINCE THE CONFLICT BEGAN

Since the start of the conflict, Blinken has made three trips to Israel and visited numerous Arab countries. However, this was Blinken's first visit to the West Bank since October 7.

The trip, which was not announced in advance due to security reasons, took place after Blinken visited Jordan and Israel last Friday.

Blinken's meeting with Abbas, the leader of the secular Fatah party which is a rival to Hamas, comes at a time when Washington is providing political and military support to Israel. The US argues that the only way out of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a two-state solution. Blinken recently said that the Palestinian Authority should take control of the Gaza Strip, which is currently governed by Hamas.

BLINKEN MET WITH PROTESTS

On the other hand, although Blinken's visit was not announced, protest demonstrations were held after some rumors began to circulate.

Protesters burned photos of Blinken, reacting to the support the US provides to Israel.