Blinken pays surprise visit to West Bank as part of Middle East tour

By Anadolu staff

RAMALLAH, Palestine (AA) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit to the West Bank as part of his Middle East tour, the office of the Palestinian president said on Sunday.

Blinken met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during his visit.

In a press conference, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that no details were to be shared until Blinken's visit was completed for "security reasons."

Miller said Blinken reiterated the US commitment to the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza during the meeting.

The spokesman also said that Blinken "clearly stated that the Palestinians cannot be forcibly displaced."

According to Miller, Blinken and Abbas discussed "restoring calm and stability" in the West Bank.

The top US diplomat also drew attention to the importance of "stopping extremist violence against Palestinians in the region and holding those responsible accountable," Milled added.

Meanwhile, although Blinken's visit was not announced, protests were organized after some rumors were heard.

Demonstrators protested US support for Israel by burning Blinken's photo.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi