The Secretary of State of USA, Antony Blinkenmet this Wednesday with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahuwithin the framework of the regional tour of the American official to promote a truce between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
Both politicians held a private meeting in the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem, before addressing a meeting in which representatives of the governments of both countries will participate, including both Israeli ambassadors and ministers.
Shortly before, the Secretary of State met this morning in Tel Aviv with the president of Israel, Isaac Herzogto whom he reiterated his commitment to reaching a truce agreement “now” and blamed Hamas if he did not achieve it.
“We are determined to achieve a ceasefire that brings the hostages home, and to achieve it now. And the only reason that wouldn’t happen would be because of Hamas. There is a proposal on the table. And as we have said, without delays, without excuses. The time is now”Blinken said, according to a statement from the Israeli president’s spokesman.
In addition, the US Secretary of State also wanted to remember the Gazans “suffering in this crossfire caused by Hamas,” according to the statement, and assured that he was working to ensure that they have access to food, medicine, water and shelter.
Before leaving for Jerusalem, Blinken addressed a group of protesters who were stationed in front of his hotel in Tel Aviv to whom he told that the proposal for a truce in Gaza presented to Hamas is “very smart” and that the Palestinian group “needs to say yes.”
“Right now there is a very smart proposal on the table, Hamas needs to say yes, this needs to happen.”Blinken said, quoted by the liberal Israeli newspaper Haaretz.
Blinken, who arrived in Israel last night on his regional tour to promote a second ceasefire – after almost seven months of war in Gaza and more than 34,500 deaths – insisted to the group, which was carrying signs asking for help to free the hostages, that The US will not rest until the hostages return.
“We will not rest, we will not stop until you are reunited with your loved ones, so please stay strong, keep the faith, we will be with you every day until we make it.”Blinken said on his seventh visit to the region since the Hamas attack on October 7. EFE (I)
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