Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Foreign Ministers from the Middle East

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today in New York City with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Libyan Acting Foreign Minister Taher al-Baour, Palestinian Authority Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, UAE Minister of State Reem Al Hashimy, and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on the margins of the UN Security Council open debate on the situation in the Middle East.  The Secretary condemned Hamas for its abhorrent terrorist attacks, reinforced Israel’s right to self-defense, and discussed ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, prevent the conflict from spreading, and deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.