In a joint declaration on Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden, together with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, urged Iran to halt its continuous threats of military action against Israel.
Washington: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel today, August 17, to advance efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as well as facilitating the release of hostages held in Gaza. During his visit, Blinken will stress the critical importance of all parties in the region avoiding further escalation.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, Vedant Patel, in a press statement on Friday, “Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to Israel on August 17 to continue intensive diplomatic efforts to finalise the agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees, through the bridging proposal presented today by the United States, with support from Egypt and Qatar.”
The proposal, backed by Egypt and Qatar, also seeks to guarantee the delivery of humanitarian aid across Gaza. “This proposal would achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of all hostages, ensure humanitarian assistance is distributed throughout Gaza, and create conditions for broader regional stability,” reads the statement. “Secretary Blinken will underscore the critical need for all parties in the region to avoid escalation or any actions that could undermine the ability to finalise an agreement,” it further said.
In a joint declaration on Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden, together with the leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, urged Iran to halt its continuous threats of military action against Israel.
“We called on Iran to stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel and discussed the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack take place,” reads the joint statement. “We expressed our full support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. We endorsed the joint call from President Biden, President Sisi of Egypt, and Amir Tamim of Qatar to renew talks later this week with the aim of concluding the deal as soon as possible, stressing that there is no further time to lose,” the joint statement read.
“All parties must live up to their responsibilities. Additionally, the unfettered delivery and distribution of aid is needed. We expressed our support for the defence of Israel against Iranian aggression and against attacks by Iran-backed terrorist groups,” it added.
The conflict in Gaza escalated following the October 7 attack by Hamas, during which approximately 2,500 militants breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking. Israel has described its military actions in Gaza as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure, with the aim of dismantling the entire terror group while striving to reduce civilian casualties.
(With ANI Inputs)