US & GLOBAL: In Israel, US Secretary Antony Blinken engages in negotiations that are apt to ensure the release of 30 hostages, as the US Secretary of State insists, stating that the release is to be achieved immediately.
By Anne M. Erbynstein
"We are determined to get a ceasefire that brings the hostages home and to get it now, and the only reason that that wouldn't be achieved is because of Hamas." --US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Today, US Secretary Blinken has pressed Hamas for a deal with which, the US Secretary is ofthe impression, Hamas leaders will agree. Blinken has indicated that the release of Israeli hostages has been tabled and ensures that much more in the deal will be satisfying to Hamas. "We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there, Netanyahu commented Wednesday stating that the IDF will move forward, "...with or without a deal, in order to achieve the total victory."--Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu
During negotiations, Secretary Blinken has called for a 40-day ceasefire. While Hamas leaders have stated their lack of responsibility for the delays in reaching an agreement, Blinken indicates that the matter will remain on the table until an agreement is achieved. "We cannot, will not support a major military operation in Rafah absent an effective plan making sure that civilians are not harmed. We have not seen such a plan."--US Secretary Antony Blinken Recently, Secretary Blinken was met by family members of Hamas hostages. While there, family members inquired with Blinken by means of protests to which he responded with compassion stating that their family members who are Hamas hostages are upper most in the hearts and minds of US officials.
The plan executed by Blinken involves the US in ensuring that beyond the release of hostages, humanitarian aid is delivered successfully to the Gaza refugees. Earlier in the week, Israel Defense Force indicated that humanitarian supplies had been delivered to those awaiting food and other essential provisions.
Plans have, however, been stated by Israel involving the IDF's intervention in Rafah. Blinken commented in regard to the IDF infiltration into Rafah stating that the United States does not support entering the southern city of Rafah, Egypt without certain steps taken to ensure the protection of the Palestinian refugees.
While a number of Netanyahu's close government officials have stated their disputes in regard to entering Rafah with military aggression, the Israel Prime Minister has stated the plan associated with ground operations in Rafah are ongoing. "We will enter Rafah..." adding that not having a deal with Hamas and the US will not impede the IDF's plans for approaching Rafah to eliminate members of Hamas. Blinken commented the US position in regard to the matter of the IDF operation in Rafah issues a caveat stating, the US will not support such an invasion while not having seen a plan ensuring the protection of civilians.
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