Israeli Prime Minister Resists Calls for Cease-Fire in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is standing firm against U.S. appeals for a “humanitarian pause” in the fight against Hamas in Gaza. He insists that there will be no temporary cease-fire until the approximately 240 hostages held by the terror group are freed.
In recent days, both President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have urged for a temporary halt in the Israel-Hamas war to allow aid to flow into Gaza. Israel’s forces have been targeting Hamas operatives in response to the group’s brutal attacks on Israeli civilians.
“I think we need a pause,” President Biden stated on November 1, after a protester interrupted his campaign speech, calling for a cease-fire in the month-long conflict.
A man reacts as Palestinians search for casualties a day after Israeli strikes on houses in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, on Nov. 1, 2023. (Mohammed Al-Masri/Reuters)
During his visit to Israel, Secretary Blinken reiterated U.S. support for Israel’s campaign against Hamas but also echoed President Biden’s call for a brief pause in the fighting to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
He emphasized that while America recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself, it must act swiftly to improve conditions in Gaza to avoid undermining the prospects for peace.
“There will be no partners for peace if they’re consumed by a humanitarian catastrophe and feel neglected in their suffering,” Mr. Blinken emphasized, calling for a humanitarian pause in Israeli operations in Gaza.
He stressed that how Israel conducts its campaign against Hamas matters, as failure to do so plays into the hands of terrorist groups.
A child’s bed stained with blood is among the damage caused by Hamas terrorists after they attacked Kibbutz Be’eri, Israel, on Oct. 20, 2023. (Dima Vazinovich/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
However, the Israeli prime minister rejected the U.S. calls for a temporary cease-fire, insisting that the military operation will continue until the hostages held by Hamas are released.
Hamas operatives took hundreds of people captive in their shocking assault on Israeli communities on October 7, while mercilessly killing many others, including women and children.
‘Full Force’ Ahead
In a televised address, Mr. Netanyahu declared, “We are continuing full force and Israel refuses a temporary cease-fire that does not include the return of hostages.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who also participated in meetings with Secretary Blinken, showed little receptiveness to the U.S. calls for a pause.
Mr. Herzog emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and highlighted that Israeli authorities had repeatedly urged non-combatants to evacuate northern Gaza.
He detailed the message sent to Gazans, including the distribution of 1.2 million pamphlets, 6 million recorded messages, and 4 million texts, urging them to leave areas used for launching attacks against Israel.
A girl stands behind the metal mesh that covered the window of a building that was hit by Israeli bombardment in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on Oct. 31, 2023. (Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, an anonymous senior U.S. administration official revealed that there were “indirect engagements” between the United States and Hamas to secure the release of hostages.
The official stated that a significant pause in the violence would be necessary for a hostage release, but did not provide specific details.
He mentioned that the earlier release of two American women hostages served as a pilot to test the possibility of securing hostage releases.
However, he acknowledged the complexity of the process and the challenges in communicating with those responsible for the hostages.
While the discussions are intense and detailed, the official cautioned that there is no guarantee of success or a specific timeline for the release of Hamas-held hostages.
Meanwhile, there have been reports that Hamas may have targeted civilians attempting to flee Gaza to prevent losing the protection of human shields. Social media footage shows a roadway strewn with bodies riddled with bullets.
The Israeli military announced the opening of an evacuation corridor in Gaza during specific hours to allow civilians to leave safely.
“If you care about yourself and your loved ones, head south according to our instructions. Rest assured that Hamas leaders are already taking care to protect themselves,” stated an Israeli military official in a post on X.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Hamas attempted to prevent Gazan civilians from evacuating, including by firing at IDF soldiers facilitating the evacuation route.
Why is Israel’s Prime Minister refusing to consider a temporary cease-fire until the hostages are freed
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No Plans for Cease-Fire as Israel Aims to Free Hostages Held by Hamas
11/3/2023
The Epoch Times reported on November 4 that an “intense process” is underway to secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas. However, there is no guarantee of success, according to the White House. The hostages were captured during a series of attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians, which led to Israel’s military response.
While the U.S. has been urging for a temporary cease-fire, Israel’s Prime Minister is adamant that no such pause will occur until all hostages are freed. Netanyahu is standing firm in his commitment to the safety and security of the Israeli people. He believes that any temporary halt in the fighting would only provide Hamas with an opportunity to regroup and launch new attacks. Therefore, he is unwilling to compromise on the hostage issue.
President Biden and Secretary Blinken’s calls for a cease-fire are motivated by a desire to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on the civilian population, causing significant damage to infrastructure and hindering access to essential services such as healthcare and clean water. The U.S. recognizes the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and is committed to providing assistance. However, Israel’s insistence on resolving the hostage situation first has put the U.S. in a difficult position.
Israel has a legitimate right to defend itself against terrorist attacks,
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