Washington, November 7 (AP) Amid growing US pressure for a “temporary pause on humanitarian grounds” in the ongoing war in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that his government will only end its attacks on Hamas. Can “stop for a while”.
This announcement by the Israeli leader, who is facing international criticism due to the increasing cases of civilian deaths in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, appears to be an attempt to satisfy America, its most vocal supporter at the global level.
US President Joe Biden had appealed to Netanyahu during his conversation to temporarily stop the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza to ensure the supply of humanitarian aid.
So far the US has focused on preventing the fighting from escalating into a broader regional war and pressing for limited action to reduce civilian suffering, but it is supporting Israel’s goal of ending Hamas’ control of Gaza. Used to be.
The Hamas-ruled Health Ministry said the death toll in Gaza had risen to nearly 10,000.
Biden, in his first talks with Netanyahu in eight days, reiterated his call for a “humanitarian pause” in the war to allow civilians to escape ongoing Israeli strikes aimed at crushing Hamas. And humanitarian aid can be supplied to thousands of needy people.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, referring to the talks between Netanyahu and Biden, said, “We believe that this is not the end of the talks but the beginning.” So you can expect that we will continue to advocate for temporary, local-level pauses in the war.”
Hours later, Netanyahu, in an interview with ABC News, rejected the possibility of a comprehensive ceasefire, but said he might choose to “cease attacks for a short period of time”. However, it is not clear whether any consensus has been reached or whether the US has been satisfied with the scope of this Israeli commitment.
Asked about Biden’s call for a humanitarian pause, Netanyahu said, “There will be no ceasefire without the release of hostages in Gaza.” As far as strategic short breaks for an hour or so here and there are concerned, we have done this earlier also. I think we are looking at circumstances relating to the supply of humanitarian goods or to enable the hostages to escape. I don’t think a general ceasefire will apply.”
Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel, Jordan, the occupied West Bank, Cyprus, Iraq and Turkey to garner support for the Biden administration’s proposal on humanitarian initiatives. Blinken ended his tour after meeting Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in the Turkish capital Ankara.
Dozens of protesters from an Islamist group held Turkish and Palestinian flags outside the State Ministry in Turkey as the meeting between Blinken and Biden continued. The protesters raised slogans against America and Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its military action in Gaza. Israeli troops are expected to enter the city on Monday or Tuesday.
Amidst the increasing number of civilians in Gaza due to Israeli attack, Arab and Muslim countries have called for an immediate ceasefire, which Israel has rejected.
Earlier on Sunday, Blinken tried to reassure Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank that the US administration was stepping up efforts to improve the situation for Gaza’s citizens and stressed that whatever happens in the territory after the conflict. It will happen, Palestinians should have a major role in it.
Blinken later flew to Baghdad for talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Attacks on US forces in Iraq and elsewhere by Iran-backed militias are increasing. Blinken left for Turkey from Baghdad.
Without any prior announcement, Blinken traveled to Ramallah in armored vehicles amid tight security.
AP Simmi Manisha
Manisha
