Ceasefire in Gaza: The White House asserted on Tuesday that a potential ceasefire in Gaza could potentially bolster the position of Hamas, the militant group currently under fire from Israeli air campaigns following their unprecedented attack earlier this month, according to a report from AFP.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby addressed reporters, stating, “A ceasefire right now really only benefits Hamas.”
The ongoing conflict has claimed thousands of lives on both sides, with Hamas militants launching a border incursion on October 7 that involved the execution of civilians and the seizure of hostages. In response, Israel initiated an intense bombardment of the Gaza Strip.
Echoing this sentiment, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, during a routine press briefing, reiterated the US government’s stance against a ceasefire, reasoning that such a move would provide Hamas with the opportunity to regroup and plan further attacks against Israel.
Miller emphasized, “Any ceasefire will give the ability to rest, to refit, and to get ready to continue launching terrorist attacks against Israel. You can understand perfectly clearly why that’s an intolerable situation for Israel, as it would be an intolerable situation for any country that has suffered such a brutal terrorist attack and continues to see the terrorist threat right on its border.”
He further highlighted the efforts of US special envoy David Satterfield, who is actively engaged in facilitating the passage of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing and ensuring the safe departure of US citizens and other foreign nationals from the region.
The United States had recently faced criticism for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution that sought “humanitarian pauses” in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, aiming to enable the delivery of aid to Gaza.
Ceasefire in Gaza: The Gaza conflict, which has been under the relentless bombardment and blockade by Israel since October 7, was initiated by Hamas through Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The operation involved multiple facets, including a series of rocket launches and incursions into Israel by land, sea, and air. Hamas cited the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and escalating violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians as the impetus for the incursion. Source thedailycourierng news