U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on his third visit to the region since October 7, is scheduled to travel to Ramallah, a city on the boundary between Judea and Samaria, commonly referred to as the West Bank, for a potential meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

During a joint appearance with Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv, Blinken praised the positive outcomes of the temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, expressing the United States' continued hope for its extension.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is back in Israel, meeting with President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv.

Blinken says he "mourns the loss" of those killed in Jerusalem terror attack this morning. pic.twitter.com/pdnauw9fAH

— Amy Spiro (@AmySpiro) November 30, 2023

Herzog, expressing appreciation for the support of the United States, highlighted the ongoing endeavors to secure the liberation of hostages in Gaza. He specifically mentioned the Bibas family, including two young children, and called for their prompt release.

Blinken commended the recent successful return of hostages and their reunion with their families, underlining the significance of this continuing effort. "Over the past week, we have observed encouraging developments with hostages being reunited with their families and increased humanitarian aid reaching civilians in Gaza who are in dire need of assistance," Blinken stated.

#US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced optimism on the current ceasefire during a meeting with #Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. Blinken noted positive outcomes, including the return of hostages, and expressed hope for its continuation.

📸: Reuters pic.twitter.com/W8htwKKvOf

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The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was extended by an additional day to facilitate continued discussions regarding the exchange of Israeli hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners.

President Herzog, at the onset of their meeting, referred to a terrorist attack in Jerusalem that resulted in three Israeli fatalities. "Good morning, Secretary Blinken. As we convene, we are grappling with casualties from a severe terror attack at the entrance to Jerusalem, our capital. This incident is a further testament to the ongoing battle against terror groups, especially Hamas, in these difficult and complex times," Herzog said, conveying his sympathies to the families of the victims.

Blinken extended his condolences to the victims of the Jerusalem attack and stressed the importance of discussions with the Israeli government regarding future actions in Gaza. He reaffirmed the United States' support for Israel's right to self-defense and the prevention of future security threats.

Blinken's visit coincides with the passing of one of his predecessors, the renowned former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who died on Wednesday at age 100.

Henry Kissinger was one of the greatest diplomats. A Jewish teenager who fled the Nazis and went on to become a giant who shaped world politics with his own hands and mind. The entire family of nations is blessed to this day by the fruits of the historic processes he led,…

— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) November 30, 2023

President Herzog, meeting with Blinken in Tel Aviv, paid tribute to Kissinger, saying, "He was instrumental in establishing the foundation of the peace agreement later signed with Egypt, and he played a pivotal role in numerous other global processes that I hold in high regard.”

Blinken praised Kissinger, saying, "He truly set the bar for all who followed in this role. I was extremely fortunate to receive his advice on numerous occasions, even as recently as about a month ago. Few were as adept at understanding history, and even fewer had such a profound impact on shaping it.”