Antony Blinken highlights Hamas regrouping risks, opposes Gaza ceasefire

US  Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a stern warning against an immediate truce in the Gaza conflict.

NEW DELHI | Updated: 06 November, 2023 1:20 pm IST
US Warns Against Ceasefire in Gaza, Citing Security Concerns

NEW DELHI: In the midst of mounting international calls for a ceasefire, US  Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a stern warning against an immediate truce in the Gaza conflict. He expressed concern that a ceasefire at this juncture could provide an opportunity for Hamas to regroup and potentially launch further attacks, citing the October 7 incident as a precedent. Israel had initiated a substantial bombing campaign on the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip in response to an earlier attack by the Palestinian militants.

Secretary Blinken made these remarks during a press conference in Amman, standing alongside his Jordanian and Egyptian counterparts, both of whom have been advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He emphasised that the US continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, in response, rejected the notion that Israel’s actions could be considered self-defence, highlighting the extensive civilian casualties and infrastructure damage resulting from the conflict. He stressed that this ongoing violence would not lead to greater security for Israel or promote peace in the region.

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The situation has raised concerns about potential regional involvement and instability in the Middle East. While the US has been proposing humanitarian pauses as an alternative to an immediate ceasefire, Secretary Blinken acknowledged differences in approaches but underscored a shared goal among the US and Arab leaders to work towards a more peaceful future in the region.

“It cannot be justified under any pretext and it will not bring Israel security, it will not bring the region peace,” said Minister Safadi.

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The international community continues to grapple with finding a path to lasting peace and stability in the region, even as the conflict takes a toll on civilians, homes, hospitals, schools, mosques, and churches.

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