US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Blinken made the call during a phone call with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Sunday, according to a statement from the State Department.
Blinken expressed concern about the escalating violence in Gaza, which has left more than 100 Palestinians dead, including 27 children. He also called on Hamas to release two Israeli soldiers who were captured in 2014.
In a separate statement, the State Department said that Blinken had also spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken reiterated the US’s commitment to Israel’s security and called on Netanyahu to take steps to de-escalate the violence.
The US has been trying to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas for several days. However, the efforts have been hampered by Hamas’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire without concessions from Israel.
Hamas has demanded that Israel lift its blockade of Gaza and release Palestinian prisoners. Israel has said that it will not lift the blockade unless Hamas agrees to disarm.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for several years. The latest round of violence began on May 10, when Hamas fired rockets into Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza.
The fighting has caused widespread damage to Gaza and has displaced thousands of Palestinians. The UN has warned that the situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire.
The ongoing violence in Gaza is a tragedy. The US and the international community must do everything they can to end the violence and bring about a lasting peace.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
