Biden sends Blinken to Middle East to bolster Israel and Hamas cease-fire

President Biden has dispatched Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Middle East to talk to Israelis, Palestinians and regional players to bolster the cease-fire that halted fighting between the Israelis and Hamas, the White House said Monday.

“Blinken will meet with Israeli leaders about our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security. He will continue our Administration’s efforts to rebuild ties to, and support for, the Palestinian people and leaders, after years of neglect,” the president said in a statement issued by the White House.