We use cookies on this website. By continuing to use this site without changing your cookie settings, you agree that you are happy to accept our privacy policy and for us to access our cookies on your device.
Transcript/ScriptUS Israel (TV)
HEADLINE: Blinken Heads to Israel to Show US ‘Solidarity and Support’
TEASER: Trip comes as US vows to work with nations to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza
PUBLISHED AT: 10/10/2023 at 10:20 pm
BYLINE: Nike Ching
DATELINE: State Department
VIDEOGRAPHER:
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Holly Franko, Mia Bush, David Jones
VIDEO SOURCE (S): Reuters, VOA, AP
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:39
VID APPROVED BY: mia
TYPE: TV
EDITOR NOTES: MRT clip on State Department briefing: https://app.frame.io/projects/107d8a33-963a-48f0-9001-585725df7d34/3349a44f-9f87-48bf-89f5-11cc0662b645
Radio track included.))
((INTRO: ))
[[U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Israel and Jordan this week to show Washington’s support for Israel’s right to self-defense. The trip comes as the U.S. vows to work with nations to secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza. VOA State Department Bureau Chief Nike Ching has more.]]
((NARRATOR))
Israel has declared control over the Gaza border while continuing its airstrikes on Hamas infrastructure in Gaza. This comes in the aftermath of unprecedented attacks by the Palestinian militant group and despite their threats to execute hostages.
((NARRATOR))
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Israel to show solidarity. The top diplomat has spoken to foreign ministers from the region, as one of the diplomatic priorities is to prevent violence from spreading to other parts of the Middle East.
((Radio track: Matthew Miller is spokesperson for the State Department.))
((Matthew Miller, State Department Spokesperson))
“Secretary Blinken will be traveling to Israel in the coming days to engage our Israeli partners directly about the situation on the ground, and how we can continue to best
support them in their fight against the terrorists who launched these horrific attacks. Our support for Israel is unwavering.”
((NARRATOR))
U.S. officials have pledged American support in efforts to free hostages taken during the Hamas assault. U.S. citizens are among the captives.
((Matthew Miller, State Department Spokesperson))
“There are a number of countries that have the ability to deliver messages to Hamas, and we have made clear to those countries they should urge Hamas to release all hostages immediately.”
((NARRATOR))
While Israel indicated it does not want any pause in efforts to reach a normalization deal with Saudi Arabia, the recent Hamas attacks have complicated the diplomatic efforts for such a deal, according to analysts.
((Radio track: Seth Jones is senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He spoke to VOA via Zoom))
((Seth Jones, Center for Strategic and International Studies)) ((zoom))
“The current outbreak of war will likely set that back, including timelines back. It doesn't necessarily mean that normalization of ties will be over, but I think for now, the focus is going to be on various aspects of the war itself and aid to the Israelis.”
((NARRATOR))
The United States has said the pursuit of a diplomatic deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia could not replace a two-state solution to address the needs of the Palestinian people, and Hamas does not represent their legitimate aspirations for an independent State of Palestine.
((Nike Ching, VOA News, Washington.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)
in Washington D.C.
Embargo DateOctober 10, 2023 23:26 EDT
Byline
Nike Ching, VOA News
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
