BAGHDAD—The U.S. is rushing to support Middle East leaders facing domestic turmoil over the Israel-Hamas conflict, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken making two surprise visits Sunday to the West Bank and Iraq, as the Biden administration comes under pressure to secure a pause in fighting and ease regional tensions.
The unannounced stops, first to the West Bank city of Ramallah, and then, to Iraq’s capital, Baghdad, followed a summit of Arab leaders Saturday in Jordan, where Blinken reassured Middle East allies that the U.S. would work to keep the conflict from spreading and help Palestinian civilians caught in the unfolding humanitarian crisis.
Blinken departed Baghdad late Sunday for Ankara, where he was expected to hold discussions with his Turkish counterpart about humanitarian aid and the collective interest in preventing a broader conflict.
Persons:
Antony Blinken, Biden, Blinken
Organizations:
West Bank, Turkish
Locations:
BAGHDAD, The U.S, Israel, Iraq, Ramallah, Baghdad, Jordan, U.S, Sunday, Ankara