Blinken to discuss prisoner release with regional partners

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Thursday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates as part of a tour to discuss the situation in Israel and the Gaza Strip, as he accused Hamas of using human shields.

"The United States will discuss with countries in the region the unconditional release of Hamas prisoners," he told reporters.

Blinken announced these steps during a press conference in Tel Aviv, during which he was also asked about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"Hamas continues to use civilians as human shields...intentionally putting civilians in harms way," he said.

"We democracies distinguish ourselves from terrorists by striving for a different standard – even when it’s difficult – and holding ourselves to account when we fall short. That’s why it’s so important to take every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians."