The United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has held Hamas responsible for the escalation of hostilities in Gaza. According to him, the organization, which advocates for Palestinian independence, has deviated from their commitment to a ceasefire.
Speaking to journalists at the airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Blinken discussed these matters. The four-day ceasefire in Gaza, which began on November 24, has been extended for seven days. Despite international pressure and new proposals from both sides, Israel has not agreed to extend the deadline.
The Israeli military claimed yesterday that Hamas had violated the terms of the ceasefire and launched attacks on Israeli territories. Subsequently, the Israeli defense forces initiated another round of attacks against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Blinken also made different assertions, stating, ‘Understanding why the ceasefire has ended is essential. It has ended because of Hamas. Hamas has violated their commitment and, in fact, initiated a brutal terrorist attack in Jerusalem before the cessation of the ceasefire. Three people, including Americans, were killed, and others were injured. Even before the ceasefire ended, they began launching rockets. As I have stated, they have strayed from the specific responsibilities outlined in the ceasefire commitment.’
The U.S. Secretary of State reiterated the United States’ support for peace in the region. He stated that the United States is urging Israel to show restraint in its response.
Previously, last Thursday, Blinken met with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on the West Bank. This visit was the second for the U.S. Secretary of State to Ramallah since the conflict began with Israel.
Following the temporary ceasefire, Israel has resumed attacks on Gaza. Yesterday morning, the Israeli military launched an assault, causing 184 Palestinians to lose their lives, as reported by Gaza’s health authorities. Health officials in Gaza also revealed that 589 people were injured in the Israeli attacks, and at least 20 residential buildings were targeted.
