Blinken Calls for De-escalation After Deadly Attack on Israel's Border

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges calm after a rocket attack killed 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel blames Hezbollah and plans retaliation. Blinken stresses Israel's right to self-defense but calls for de-escalation to prevent further conflict and displacement.

In the wake of a deadly rocket attack that claimed the lives of 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called for calm and de-escalation. The attack, which Israel attributes to Hezbollah, has heightened tensions in the region.

Speaking during a news conference in Tokyo, Blinken affirmed Israel's right to defend its citizens but stressed the importance of preventing the conflict from escalating. 'We don't want to see it spread,' he emphasized.

Blinken also highlighted the humanitarian impact of the conflict and advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza to help stabilize the border situation with Lebanon, noting the severe displacement of people in both countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)