Kathmandu: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held separate meetings with Jewish community leaders, as well as representatives of the Arab-American and Palestinian-American communities.

“In both discussions, the Secretary condemned Hamas’ horrific terrorist attacks against Israel, reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, outlined his recent engagements and travel to the Middle East, and described the United States’ efforts to see to it that all civilians are protected and to prevent the widening of the conflict, Israeli various media has revealed.

He stressed that no civilian life is worth more than another — whether Christian, Jewish, or Muslim – and emphasized ongoing U.S. efforts to facilitate a steady flow of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza, as we work with partners across the region to secure the release of additional hostages,” the State Department said.

The meetings come as the Biden administration’s Israel policy comes under increasing scrutiny from the Arab community, as well as critics within the State Department.