Staff Reports
In a recent interview, Secretary of State Antony Blinken made it clear that he is not in favor of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized that Israel has the right to defend itself and to ensure that Hamas cannot carry out future attacks.
Blinken Says Ceasefire 'Would Allow Hamas to Remain' and Carry out Future Attacks https://t.co/gvL1HZYzR4
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Blinken pointed out that Hamas was responsible for breaching the Gaza barrier and killing hundreds of civilians, and no country can be expected to tolerate such actions. He stated that Israel has not only the right, but also the obligation to defend itself and prevent similar attacks in the future.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been responding to Hamas’s attacks with retaliatory airstrikes and limited raids inside the Gaza Strip. This has raised concerns about civilian casualties and the safety of hostages taken by Hamas.
When asked about the high number of children killed in the conflict, Blinken expressed his sympathy and stated the importance of protecting innocent lives and providing assistance to those in need. However, he reiterated that a ceasefire would allow Hamas to remain in its current position and potentially carry out future attacks.
Both the US and Israeli governments consider Hamas a terrorist organization, and President Joe Biden has supported calls for its total destruction. Blinken emphasized that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people or their aspirations for a state of their own.
While Blinken did not explicitly call for a ceasefire, he mentioned that the Biden administration has worked with Israel to allow aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip. However, his stance on the ceasefire is in contrast with some Democratic lawmakers who have called on the Biden administration to push for an immediate ceasefire.
This article highlights the differing viewpoints on the conflict and the challenges faced by the Biden administration in finding a solution that ensures the safety of innocent lives and addresses the long-standing issues in the region.
