ORIGINAL LINK : https://www.asiae.co.kr/article/2023110706560924563
The White House announced on June 6 (local time) that President Joe Biden had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the possibility of a tactical ceasefire.
The White House also stated that the need to hold accountable for acts of violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank was discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu. The exploration of a tactical ceasefire is to provide civilians with the opportunity to safely exit the combat zone, allow aid to be delivered, and potentially enable the release of hostages.
President Biden also emphasized the need to reduce harm to Palestinian civilians during military operations while reiterating his firm support for Israel.
As the civilian death toll in the Gaza Strip, due to Israel’s attack amidst its war with Hamas, surpasses 10,000, international criticism against both Israel and the United States has escalated. The US is intensifying diplomatic pressure on Israel to bring about a temporary ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.
President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the need to significantly expand the volume of humanitarian aid being brought into the Gaza Strip. They also discussed measures to enhance the ability to inspect and search vehicles carrying humanitarian aid.
The two leaders also exchanged views on ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had proposed a temporary ceasefire on humanitarian grounds, including the release of hostages, during a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu on the 3rd. However, after the meeting, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed a negative stance, stating, “We reject any temporary ceasefire proposal that does not include the release of hostages.”
However, Secretary Blinken stated that the US is currently discussing specific details related to a humanitarian ceasefire with Israel. Blinken said, “Our teams from both countries have agreed to work together to resolve the specific and practical issues of a temporary ceasefire.” He also responded to a question about the lack of progress on the issue of a humanitarian ceasefire by saying, “All of this is a work in progress.” Regarding humanitarian aid, he stated, “You will see a significant expansion of aid in the next few days.”
In relation to this, John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council (NSC) of the White House, said in an online briefing, “We believe in the value of a temporary humanitarian ceasefire that is locally implemented for a specific purpose, allowing goods to enter and people, including hostages, to exit the Gaza Strip.”
Following Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Israel on the 4th, where Israel stated that it cannot accept a temporary ceasefire that does not include the release of hostages, Kirby stated, “We believe this is the early stage of the process, not the end of discussions related to a humanitarian ceasefire.” However, Kirby reiterated that he does not believe it is appropriate to have a ‘ceasefire in the general sense’ under the current circumstances. Nevertheless, the US is opposed to a full ceasefire.
Reporter Yoojin Jo tint@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ투자가를 위한 경제콘텐츠 플랫폼, 아시아경제(www.asiae.co.kr) 무단전재 배포금지>
댓글0