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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Billal Rahman

Watch: Blinken and Qatari prime minister hold joint press conference as Israeli ground invasion looms

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani (C) and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) attend a meeting in Doha on October 13, 2023. Blinken began on October 12 a tour of Arab capitals as he seeks to build pressure on Hamas while Israel readies a likely massive offensive on the Gaza Strip following the militants' attacks. (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JACQUELYN MARTIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a joint press conference with Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Friday, 13 October.

Mr Blinken landed in Israel on Thursday, 12 October, where he was welcomed by Israeli foreign minister Eli Cohen.

The Secretary of State is also scheduled to meet with Palestinian officials during his visit to the region, which comes as Israeli armed forces continue to amass near the border with Gaza to prepare for a ground invasion.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) issued their evacuation notice at midnight and ordered Palestinians to evacuate Gaza.

The IDF has claimed areas near Gaza City had been used for Hamas’ “military operations”.

Hamas urged citizens to remain at home and “stand firm in the face of this disgusting psychological war”.

Mr Blinken confirmed 1,300 Israelis have died so far in the conflict.

The Gaza health ministry has said 1,799 Palestinians have been killed in strikes by the IDF.

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