KamranSH
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- May 18, 2019
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Sunday that it is still unclear how or how long the fighting between Israel and Hamas will last, even as it has now lasted for more than two months.
"We have these discussions with Israel regarding the length of this campaign against Hamas as well as how it is being carried out. In an interview with CNN's "State of the Union," Blinken stated on Sunday that these are decisions that Israel must make.
However, Hamas must also make choices. Tomorrow, it might emerge from its hiding place among civilians. Tomorrow, it might lay down its arms. This could end if it gave up tomorrow, he continued.
Gaza has been completely destroyed by the fighting, which started after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 and killed roughly 1,200 people there. Israel responded to the attack with an air and ground war that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians, and the forced displacement of about 1.9 million people, according to the Associated Press. Palestinians are severely lacking in food, water, and other necessities since a large portion of the territory has made it impossible to deliver aid.
According to U.N. agencies, Israel and almost 85% of the 2.3 million residents of Gaza have been forced to flee their homes, leaving them with nowhere safe to go.
In addition to pledging its steadfast support for Israel, the United States recently vetoed a ceasefire resolution in the UN Security Council, which had the backing of practically all other Security Council members. Nonetheless, representatives from the United States have also urged Israeli leaders to take action to prevent civilian casualties.
Israel has vowed to exterminate Hamas, the organization in charge of Gaza, from the area. However, it doesn't seem like there is a strategy in place for what will happen to the area and the surviving inhabitants after the fighting is over.Naturally, everyone is eager for this campaign to end as soon as possible. However, any nation dealing with the terrorist group that attacked Israel in the most horrifying manner would.
possible on October 7, and it has, as I mentioned, stated time and time again that it would do it; it needs to reach the point where it is certain that it cannot be repeated," Blinken stated on Sunday.
According to Blinken, the US wants to see this resolved with the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
"That has to result in a Palestinian state from our perspective, and I believe from the perspective of many around the world as well. This is the situation: unless and until the political aspirations of the Palestinian people are satisfied, we will not have lasting peace or security for Israel, Blinken stated.
