The United States and Arab allies have differing positions on an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Arab foreign ministers call on the US to persuade Israel to immediately cease fire; The United States holds opposition and believes that a comprehensive ceasefire at this stage will allow the Palestinian radical organization Hamas to regroup. The United States continues to call on Israel and Hamas to achieve a "humanitarian pause" in Gaza.
On Saturday (November 4), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting with foreign ministers of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar and other countries as well as senior officials of the Palestinian National Authority in Amman, the Jordanian capital. Foreign ministers of Arab countries, in a rare press conference, publicly displayed their divergent positions with the United States and called on Antony Blinken to persuade Israel to agree to a ceasefire.
Antony Blinken objected, saying that an immediate ceasefire at this stage would damage Israel's rights and obligations to protect its citizens, and would only allow Hamas to regroup and repeat the tragedy of October 7. "I think no one can accept this".
Antony Blinken stressed that the Biden administration's commitment to Israel's right to self-defence remained firm, while Antony Blinken also mentioned that Israel must take "all possible measures" to prevent civilian casualties in Gaza.
Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7th, killing 1400 people and hijacking over 240 hostages, igniting the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel has imposed a blockade and retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza, followed by a ground offensive. The Israeli military claims to have surrounded Gaza City.
The United Nations refugee agencies and hospitals in the theater of war continue to suffer civilian casualties, and the global community is concerned and angry about the humanitarian situation in this enclave, with calls for a ceasefire becoming increasingly strong.
Gaza health officials said on the 4th that the Israeli attack has resulted in the death of over 9488 Palestinians.
Palestinian news agency WAFA stated that on Saturday night, Israel bombed the Al Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, resulting in 51 deaths and dozens of injuries, most of whom were women and children. Reuters stated that it was unable to verify the report.
Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi stated that Arab countries hope for an immediate ceasefire. "The entire region is sinking into a sea of hatred, which will affect generations, and we must ensure that this war stops immediately.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that the responsibility of the international community has always been to seek a cessation of hostilities, rather than to allow violence to continue. "I believe it is necessary to make the priorities clearer. Sukri accused Israel of violating international war laws and reiterated his call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza region.
In addition to Middle Eastern politicians calling for a ceasefire, pro Palestinian protesters held protests around the world on Saturday, including in London, Berlin, Paris, Ankara, Istanbul, and Washington. Demonstrators strongly condemned Israel and called for a ceasefire in Gaza after the Israeli army intensified its attacks on Hamas.
The United States continues to try to persuade Israel to implement a partial ceasefire, known as a "humanitarian pause". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on the 3rd that if the conditions for the release of hostages were not included, he would "refuse any temporary ceasefire". The United States continues to negotiate and demand that Israel agree to suspend attacks on specific locations in order to distribute aid supplies in Gaza. Israel is concerned that Hamas may take the opportunity to regroup and resupply.
Antony Blinken stressed that the "humanitarian moratorium" is essential for protecting civilians, obtaining assistance and allowing foreigners to evacuate, "while still enabling Israel to achieve its goals and defeat Hamas."
David Satterfield, the US Special Envoy for Humanitarian Issues in the Middle East, stated that Israel's concerns can be understood, but ensuring that Israel does not target specific locations or routes is a "strategic priority".
(This article is based on reports from Reuters and The Associated Press)