US Calls for Conclusion of Gaza Conflict
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has informed Israel that it has completed its mission in Gaza and has encouraged the country to conclude its military operations in the area. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that Israel has accomplished its declared objectives concerning the Palestinian militant group Hamas and should now cease its military actions in Gaza.
Following the Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel in October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages, Israel besieged the Palestinian enclave. The ensuing bombardments and ground invasion by the Israel Defense Forces have reportedly resulted in at least 43,000 fatalities, with nearly 70% of the UN-verified casualties being women and children, according to a recent report from its Human Rights Office.
Blinken told reporters in Brussels, “[Israel] said that it needed to dismantle the military organization of Hamas and to get the leadership that was responsible for October 7th. It’s done both of those things. So this should be a time to end the war.” His remarks followed a meeting with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.
Even if Israel is unwilling to withdraw its troops, Blinken emphasized that it should honor its humanitarian responsibilities. He indicated that Washington has a plan for an exit and will ensure that Hamas does not return.
In related developments, Qatar announced it had halted its US-backed mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, stating it wouldn't re-engage unless both sides demonstrate the willingness and seriousness to end what it described as a "brutal war."
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly mentioned in a private meeting with families of hostages that the IDF has “nothing left to do in Gaza.” He indicated that Israel’s presence in the enclave was driven by a desire to continue operations there. This led to Gallant being fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the following week for purportedly breaching trust.
An editorial from the left-leaning newspaper Haaretz alleged that Netanyahu is pursuing an "ethnic cleansing" agenda in Gaza, claiming he is “responsible for the war crimes committed by the IDF... the expulsion of the Palestinians, the destruction of their homes and the preparations on the ground for a prolonged occupation and Jewish settlement.”
Meanwhile, the ongoing military actions in Gaza have contributed to Israel's current operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah. The Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that the death toll from these parallel conflicts in Lebanon has reached 3,287 since October of last year.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
Following the Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel in October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages, Israel besieged the Palestinian enclave. The ensuing bombardments and ground invasion by the Israel Defense Forces have reportedly resulted in at least 43,000 fatalities, with nearly 70% of the UN-verified casualties being women and children, according to a recent report from its Human Rights Office.
Blinken told reporters in Brussels, “[Israel] said that it needed to dismantle the military organization of Hamas and to get the leadership that was responsible for October 7th. It’s done both of those things. So this should be a time to end the war.” His remarks followed a meeting with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.
Even if Israel is unwilling to withdraw its troops, Blinken emphasized that it should honor its humanitarian responsibilities. He indicated that Washington has a plan for an exit and will ensure that Hamas does not return.
In related developments, Qatar announced it had halted its US-backed mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, stating it wouldn't re-engage unless both sides demonstrate the willingness and seriousness to end what it described as a "brutal war."
Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly mentioned in a private meeting with families of hostages that the IDF has “nothing left to do in Gaza.” He indicated that Israel’s presence in the enclave was driven by a desire to continue operations there. This led to Gallant being fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the following week for purportedly breaching trust.
An editorial from the left-leaning newspaper Haaretz alleged that Netanyahu is pursuing an "ethnic cleansing" agenda in Gaza, claiming he is “responsible for the war crimes committed by the IDF... the expulsion of the Palestinians, the destruction of their homes and the preparations on the ground for a prolonged occupation and Jewish settlement.”
Meanwhile, the ongoing military actions in Gaza have contributed to Israel's current operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah. The Health Ministry reported on Tuesday that the death toll from these parallel conflicts in Lebanon has reached 3,287 since October of last year.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
