The United States emphasizes that achieving a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas can not happen, as US President Joe Biden dismissed any possibility of it. Biden informed reporters outside the White House on Thursday that there is “none” and “no possibility” of a firm cessation in hostilities. Later in the day, while he was boarding Air Force One and speaking to reporters separately, he mentioned that he had been pushing for a “pause” in the fighting, “for a lot more than three days.”
Israel has only committed to taking daily humanitarian breaks. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, during a press conference, said that “Israel will begin to implement four-hour pauses in areas of northern Gaza each day, with an announcement to be made three hours beforehand. We’ve been told by the Israelis that there will be no military operations in these areas over the duration of the pause (and) that this process is starting today.”
This situation of continued conflict has emerged due to Israel’s firm stance on not agreeing to a ceasefire with Hamas. Israel has constantly rejected the idea of a ceasefire while Hamas continues to hold hostages it took during its initial attack in the south of the country on October 7. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly stated that there will be no ceasefire without the return of the hostages.
According to reports, privately Israel has rejected the prospect of a ceasefire, even if it was to secure the release of the hostages. Israel apparently refused a deal for a 5-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of certain hostages. The original deal involved freeing women, children, the elderly, and sick people. The proposal was rejected, and Netanyahu launched a ground offensive instead.
The US is pushing for diplomatic solutions while emphasizing that a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas does not seem possible. Meanwhile, the conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and damages to infrastructure. This situation highlights the urgent need to find a peaceful resolution to the hostilities. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely and calls for an immediate end to the violence.
It is important to recognize the broader implications of the conflict and the human impact it causes on the ground. Efforts to address the root causes of the conflict are essential to prevent further escalation and promote lasting peace in the region. The United States, along with other international partners, remains committed to advancing peace and security in the Middle East.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to engage in dialogue and work towards a sustainable peace agreement. The humanitarian crisis must be addressed, and efforts to provide essential assistance to those affected by the conflict must be intensified. The path to peace and stability in the region requires a collective commitment to finding peaceful and constructive solutions to the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
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