The United States on Tuesday issued a strong plea for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel and Hamas to reach a deal to halt nearly 11 months of fighting and free the remaining hostages held by the militants.
The call comes after Israeli forces discovered the bodies of six hostages shot to death by Hamas in a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “There are dozens of hostages still remaining in Gaza, still waiting for a deal that will bring them home. It is time to finalize that deal.”
He added, “The people of Israel cannot afford to wait any longer. The Palestinian people, who are also suffering the terrible effects of this war, cannot afford to wait any longer. The world cannot afford to wait any longer.”
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Miller announced that the US will work closely with mediators Egypt and Qatar over the coming days to push for a final agreement. A key point of contention in the negotiations has been Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining Israeli troops at the Gaza-Egypt border. However, Miller stated that the US opposes the long-term presence of Israeli troops in Gaza.
Reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of the remaining hostages will require flexibility from both sides, according to Miller. “It will require that both sides look for reasons to get to yes rather than reasons to say no,” he said.
The US plea for an end to the fighting comes after Israel’s military announced the killing of a Hamas militant involved in the October assault on Israel. The militant, Ahmed Fozi Wadia, was identified as one of eight killed in a Saturday airstrike in Gaza City.
In a separate development, Netanyahu’s office responded to Britain’s decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel due to concerns about their use in Gaza. “Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided on the best course of action. The US, however, remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution, with Miller emphasizing, “We will continue to work tirelessly to support a ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages.”
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