Blinken addresses toll of Israel-Hamas war in letter to staff following trip to Middle East

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a press conference on Jan. 30, 2023, in Jerusalem, Israel. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)

Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the challenges faced by his staff since Hamas' Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel in a long letter sent to his team Thursday night, which was obtained by Fox News' James Levinson.

Blinken, who returned from a trip to the region on Wednesday after arriving in Israel on Oct. 12, praised his staff for their work "under tremendous pressure" after giving a rundown of the trip's objectives then went on to discuss the personal impact of the conflict.

"I know that, for many of you, this time has not only been challenging professionally, but personally. Some of our colleagues in the region, especially among our locally employed staff, have been directly affected by the violence, including by losing loved ones and friends," he wrote.

He continued: "Others have felt the ripples of fear and bigotry fueled by the conflict -- including in the United States, where mounting acts of hatred against Arab Americans, Muslims and Jews are making people feel vulnerable in their own communities, simply because of who they are or what they believe.

Blinken also wrote that the loss of innocent lives and the images produced from the Israel-Hamas war are "wrenching" and impact everyone, even those without direct ties to the conflict. He added that he mourns the loss of all innocent lives, Israeli and Palestinian, and he will not give up on the vision of both groups living with "equal measures of security, freedom, justice, opportunity, and dignity."

He went on to encourage his team to "devote extra care and attention to each other" and reminded them additional support is available if needed.

The letter concluded with: "We have a difficult stretch ahead. The risk of greater turmoil and strife is real. And yet, where this crisis goes from here is not inevitable. It will come down, in no small part, to how America -- and each and every one of us -- leads in this critical period.

"So for all you have already done -- and all that you will do as we navigate this crisis -- thank you.

"I'm proud as ever to be on your team."