Blinken Addresses Families of American Victims in Tel Aviv: ‘Unrelenting Agony’ 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday addressed the press and families of Americans who were killed and taken hostage after the Hamas attacks in Israel, trying to shed light on the "unrelenting agony" he's seen.

"We're doing everything we can to secure the release of the hostages, working closely with our Israeli partners," he said.

Blinken stated the U.S. stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Israel before saying he will meet with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and King Abdullah of Jordan in the coming days, as well as leaders in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Qatar.

He also addressed the $6 billion in Iranian assets currently in Qatar, which many lawmakers are calling on the Biden administration to freeze in light of the country's support to the Hamas attacks.

Blinken doubled down on the U.S. Department of Defense's claim that none of the money has been used by Iran. The secretary of state repeated that the funds can only be used for humanitarian aid, and is being monitored carefully.

"Funds from that account are overseen by the Treasury Department, can only be dispensed for humanitarian goods, food, medicine, medical equipment and never touch Iranian hands," Blinken said. "We have strict oversight of the funds and we retain the right to freeze them."

He did not specify whether the Biden Administration has plans to freeze the funds amid calls and threats from the House.

When asked about the recent comparisons that have been made of the recent Hamas attacks and 9/11, Blinken said they have not yet heard anything from the extremist group, but called the attacks "pure evil."

"We're looking at past experiences, including many past experiences more immediate to this challenge, including in Gaza and including in the region," Blinken said. "We have not heard from them what their goals are. And I have to tell you that in many ways, the simplest explanation may be the most compelling: this is pure evil."