The United States has said that efforts are being made to reach an agreement for a six-week ceasefire that would secure the release of all hostages and help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza.
This was disclosed by the State Department Spokesperson, Mathew Miller at a Press Briefing on Tuesday while reading out the meeting of Secretary of State, Antony Blinken earlier with Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz.
According to the Secretary, “we have an opportunity to achieve immediate ceasefire, and it is on Hamas to make the decisions about whether it is willing to agree to one. The talks to secure a temporary ceasefire and achieve the release of all hostages are ongoing, and we will continue to push to reach an agreement”.
The United States Secretary and Minister Gantz discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the Secretary reiterated that the United States continues to support Israel’s right to ensure that the terrorist attacks of October 7th can never be repeated.
Antony Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to act urgently to enable the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and to improve the distribution of that aid inside Gaza.
The Secretary said before his meeting with Prime Minister Al Thani of Qatar, that the current situation is unacceptable and unsustainable. And while the United States is doing everything it can to increase deliveries into Gaza, Israel must take additional steps as well.
The Secretary underscored the importance of reaching an agreement to achieve the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, which would lead to a temporary ceasefire and allow additional humanitarian assistance to enter Gaza.
The Secretary emphasized that even as talks to reach such an agreement proceed, Israel must take urgent steps to expand delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, including by opening additional crossings.
The Secretary also underscored the need for a credible and implementable humanitarian plan prior to any major military operation in Rafah, given the risks to civilians, stressed that the United States supports steps to advance enduring peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
US Secretary Blinken thanked the Prime Minister for Qatar’s coordination to pursue an agreement for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to enable the release of hostages, safeguard civilians, and expand the provision of critical aid to Gaza.
The Secretary and Prime Minister discussed planning for a stable and secure future for the Palestinian people, and the Secretary reiterated the United States’ support for a pathway to a Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel.
They reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Qatar relationship and the importance of continuing to work closely on shared strategic priorities to promote security and prosperity in the Gulf and broader Middle East region and beyond, as well as to foster ties between our peoples.