Israel has rebuffed U.S. pressure to implement a “humanitarian pause” in the ongoing war until the release of about 240 hostages held by Hamas. This defiance was expressed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s diplomatic visit to Israel on Nov. 3.
Blinken’s mission to the Middle East aims to reaffirm U.S. support for Israel, deter the escalation of a wider Mideast conflict, and advocate for increased humanitarian aid and the evacuation of more foreigners from Gaza, AP News reported.
Despite the U.S.’s reiteration of support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas, Blinken echoed President Joe Biden’s call for a temporary cessation of hostilities to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Israeli military activities, including airstrikes and a widening ground assault, have led to skyrocketing Palestinian casualties and an escalating humanitarian crisis. Approximately 1.5 million people, or 70% of Gaza’s population, have been displaced due to these activities, as per the United Nations.
After meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken emphasized that a temporary pause in hostilities is necessary to enhance aid deliveries and facilitate the release of hostages taken by Hamas. However, Netanyahu insisted that unless hostages are released, Israel would continue its full-scale operations.
Despite the grim situation, Israeli troops continue to tighten their encirclement of Gaza City. Al Jazeera reported late Friday that an airstrike hit a school in Gaza City, causing casualties. Strikes also occurred near the entrances of three hospitals in northern Gaza, further exacerbating the dire conditions.
While the U.S. is not seeking a complete ceasefire, officials have proposed brief pauses in specific areas to allow for humanitarian activities. However, Netanyahu has not publicly addressed this proposal and has consistently dismissed the idea of a ceasefire.
Photo by Ilin Sergey on Shutterstock
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