Blinken: No 'direct evidence' linking Iran to Hamas attack on Israel

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that there is no direct evidence linking Iran to Hamas' recent attack on Israel, although acknowledging their long-standing relationship. The Biden administration has faced criticism for unfreezing $6 billion in oil reserve funds as part of a prisoner exchange with Iran, which has historically supported Hamas. Blinken assured that none of the funds had been distributed yet and announced that the US and Qatar have agreed to block Iran from accessing the funds. Blinken, who arrived in Israel to offer support, emphasized the US's commitment to Israel's security and condemned terrorism. He also expressed personal connection to the situation as a Jew. The US has deployed military support and supplies to Israel and is working to determine the whereabouts of Americans unaccounted for. Blinken plans to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordanian King Abdullah II in Jordan and travel to Qatar to discuss de-escalation efforts and the release of hostages.