State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the United States is currently assessing Hamas‘s response to a ceasefire proposal and plans to confer with allies in the Middle East shortly.
Despite Hamas announcing its acceptance of a proposal brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, an Israeli official clarified that no ceasefire agreement had been finalized.
Miller affirmed that the US received Hamas’s response recently and is actively reviewing it, with discussions scheduled to take place with regional partners.
CIA Director Bill Burns is actively engaged in addressing the situation in real-time, reflecting the urgency of the matter.
The announcement from Hamas came in the wake of Israel’s directive to evacuate sections of Rafah, suggesting a potential military operation despite previous warnings from the US.
Miller reiterated the US’s stance, stating that an operation in Rafah, as currently envisioned by Israel, would significantly impede ongoing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the region.
The developments follow US Secretary of State Antony Blinken‘s recent visit to Israel, during which he emphasized concerns about potential military action in Rafah.
The US has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict and has been actively involved in ceasefire negotiations.
The situation underscores the delicate balance of diplomacy in the region and the complexities of facing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
As tensions remain high, the US continues to monitor the situation closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to de-escalate the crisis and facilitate a lasting ceasefire.
Amidst these developments, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation in achieving lasting peace in the region.
