UPDATED: 19 OCT 2023 04:49 PM EST
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is traveling to Israel on Thursday to meet with victims of the Israel-Hamas war on Friday, his administration said.
Newsom will stop in Israel ahead of a planned trip to China next week that is set to start in Hong Kong.
"The Governor adjusted his planned international trip and will briefly visit Israel ahead of going to China," spokesperson Erin Mellon said in a statement. "While in Israel, the Governor will meet with those impacted by the violence."
Newsom's office said that California will also be sending medical aid and supplies to the region, including Gaza, where Israel has launched a “complete siege” and cut off supplies of food, power and water in response to deadly attacks by the militant group Hamas on Oct 7.
The Hamas attacks killed over 1,400, and the Gaza Health Ministry says over 3,785 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. U.N. negotiations for getting aid into Gaza through Egypt are ongoing.
California is home to the largest population of Arab Americans and the second largest population of Jews in the U.S.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is in Israel today meeting with victims of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) had been in China but left quickly amid the unfolding attacks on Israel. Schumer then led a delegation to Tel Aviv, which was rushed to a shelter in a tight bunker during heavy rocket fire.
Christopher Cadelago contributed to this report.
