America unclear about the end of Israel-Hamas war

Washington (Uttam Hindu News): Even after vetoing the UNSC resolution for a ceasefire, the US government still has no idea how the Israel-Hamas war will play out. But the Biden government is pressing Israel to recognize the need for a separate Palestinian state alongside Israel as a just and durable solution to the conflict and long-term peace. Sixty days after the war, the US is still unclear how the fighting will end and how long it will last. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this on Sunday.

“We have had discussions with Israel, including the ongoing campaign against Hamas,” Blinken said during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday. “But Hamas also has to take decisions,” he said. He may come out from hiding behind the citizens tomorrow. He can lay down his arms tomorrow. He can surrender tomorrow and it will be over.” Palestinians caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas are facing acute shortage of food, water and other basic goods.

According to Palestinian officials, 17,700 Palestinians have been killed so far. Hamas continues to launch rocket attacks into Israel, and about 85 percent of the 2.3 million people living in Gaza have been displaced, according to UN agencies. Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas to avenge the October 7 massacre. Hamas has sidelined the Palestinian Authority and its President Mahmoud Abbas and controls the entire administration of the Gaza region, unlike the West Bank. There is no plan yet as to what will happen to this area after the fighting ends.

Blinken said, “Of course, everyone wants to see this campaign end as soon as possible.” “But no country faces the situation that Israel is facing.” The US wants to see this end with the formation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, Blinken said. “From our perspective, we are not going to have a durable peace, we are not going to have durable security for Israel, unless Palestinian political aspirations are met,” Blinken said.