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Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jack Spear.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is making a swing through Arab states saying there should

be no more business as usual with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

But there is increasing concern in the region about Israel's response to the unprecedented

Hamas attack a week ago, more from NPR's Michelle Calaman.

Even before Secretary Blinken touched down in Saudi Arabia, the foreign ministry issued

a statement calling on the international community to move quickly to stop all forms of military

escalation against civilians and to provide needed relief to the residents of Gaza.

Secretary Blinken says the U.S. is working with international organizations to try to set

up safe areas in Gaza in anticipation of an Israeli ground offensive in the crowded Palestinian

territory.

He says Israel has a right to respond to what he called the unconscionable actions by Hamas.

The Secretary has made that case in Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain.

His trip is aimed at containing the conflict and deterring other actors from getting involved.

Michelle Calaman and NPR News re-ad.

This is the clock runs out on an Israeli evacuation order for people in northern Gaza.

The reality is, for many, it is difficult if not impossible under current conditions.

...