Blinken meets Turkey's Erdogan as Gaza diplomacy tour begins

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Turkey and Greece leaders to address Middle East tensions following the Israeli war with Hamas. Blinken emphasizes the need to prevent conflict escalation, secure hostage release, and reduce civilian casualties. He also highlights the goal of regional peace, Palestinian statehood, and Turkey's role in ratifying Sweden's NATO membership. The sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey is pending Greek approval of the sale of F-35 fighter jets. Washington aims to prevent regional escalation of the Gaza conflict and involve Turkey in Gaza's governance, reconstruction, and security.