‘ That would provide instant relief to so many people who are suffering in Gaza–the babies, the women, the men.’
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the United States had requested an “immediate peace” in Gaza in exchange for the release of Hamas hostages.
Mr. Blinken made the comments in an exam with Saudi journalist Al- Hadath in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 20.
Christiane Baissary, the U.S. secretary of state, said officials are “pressing” for an immediate ceasefire in response to the release of Israeli hostages when Mr. Blinken asked about whether Washington was” carrying any further initiatives to end the bloodshed in Gaza.”
” That would bring immediate relief to so many people who are suffering in Gaza–the children, the women, the men”, he said. It would make it possible for them to receive more humanitarian aid, and it would also help create the conditions for a long-lasting ceasefire, which is what we want. So that’s the urgency in this moment. That’s what we’re pressing Qatar and Egypt to do in order to work with us in a cooperative manner to reach an agreement.
Proposal” Sends a Strong Message”
The reporter also brought up Washington’s veto of a U.N. resolution last month that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
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Mr. Blinken responded to her questioning by stating that U.S. officials have submitted a resolution to the UN Security Council that” calls for an immediate ceasefire related to the release of hostages, and we hope very much that countries will support that.”
Mr. Blinken did not specify when the resolution would be put to a vote. However, the senior Biden administration official said he believes the proposal will” send a strong message, a strong signal”.
In response to Hamas ‘ incursion into Israel on October 7, the secretary of state emphasized that the United States has unwavering support for Israel, including its right to defend itself.
” At the same time, it’s imperative that the civilians who are in harm’s way and who are suffering so terribly–that we focus on them, that we make them a priority, protecting the civilians, getting them humanitarian assistance”, Mr. Blinken said. We’ve been leading the charge to do that, to infuse more and distribute more to those who require it. We are working as hard as we can to accomplish that.
Asked whether a ceasefire was possible in the near future despite several rounds of failed negotiations regarding the matter, Mr. Blinken said,” It’s getting closer” and” the gaps are narrowing” before blaming Hamas for failing to accept previous proposals.
Blinken Presses Hamas to Accept the Ceasefire Agreement.
The Biden administration official praised Washington’s “hard work” with Qatar, Egypt, and Israel to bring forth a compelling proposal, but claimed Hamas rejected it and instead returned with other demands and demands.
” Of course, if Hamas cares at all about the people it purports to represent, then it would reach an agreement, because that would have the immediate effect of a ceasefire, alleviating the tremendous suffering of people, bringing more humanitarian assistance in, and then giving us the possibility of having something more lasting”, Mr. Blinken said.
” The release of hostages is the quickest way to an end,” according to the author. Then a lot more becomes possible”, he added.
President Joe Biden last month declared he was confident a ceasefire in Gaza could be reached before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, but the U.S. president later reversed his statement.
Approximately 134 hostages remain in Israel, among them soldiers and civilians, according to its government.
According to the Hamas- run Gaza Health Ministry, more than 31, 000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict broke out in October.
