War in Israel: U.S. and allies work towards Hamas' agreement for new ceasefire
Photo: U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield (photo from open sources)
The United States is working with Qatar, Egypt, and other partners to persuade Hamas to accept the proposal for a long-term ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages, stated the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, during a UN Security Council meeting.
"To set us down the path towards that future, we have been working tirelessly with Qatar, Egypt, and other regional partners on a strong, compelling proposal. Our engagement is the best opportunity to reunite all hostages with their families. Hostages the Security Council has, in previous resolutions, urged Hamas and other groups to release," she said.
The diplomat added that if this proposal is accepted and implemented, it will bring all parties closer to creating conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
According to Thomas-Greenfield, the Security Council must do everything to ensure that any actions taken by the U.S. and its allies in recent days increase pressure on Hamas to approve the proposal.
Responding to whether, in her opinion, Israelis are complying with Security Council resolutions and the decision of the International Court of Justice regarding providing humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, the ambassador noted that it takes time.
"They were given a certain number of days to respond to the ICJ; I think we need to give them – allow them the time that they have to respond to the ICJ," Thomas-Greenfield stated.
Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas
On January 31, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Israel's Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer discussed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the HAMAS group. The agreement aims to release 136 hostages.
On February 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar announced that Hamas had given its preliminary consent to the ceasefire and the agreement for the release of hostages.
However, according to media reports, the implementation of the agreement is being delayed due to disagreements within the leadership of the Palestinian movement.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, proposed his own long-term peace plan for a ceasefire and achieving peace. It involves the evacuation of Hamas leaders from the Gaza Strip to another country.
