By negotiating on the one hand and inflicting casualties on Israeli civilians on the other, Hamas demonstrated its operational capacity despite the heavy attacks that destroyed a significant part of the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli government, on the other hand, shows little willingness to continue the ceasefire, despite pressure from mediators and especially from the United States, whose Foreign Minister put pressure on the government during a visit to the country so that if it return, There will be no “major loss of civilian lives” in military operations.
Antony Blinken’s third trip to the Middle East since October 7 caused a modulation in the official discourse of the United States, Israel’s main ally. In addition to requesting an extension of the ceasefire, which is nothing new, the head of North American diplomacy says that he has not only put pressure on the Israeli government not to repeat the military plan implemented in North Gaza, but has also been given a guarantee that this will happen. created a plan to protect civilians largely displaced in the south of the territory. “We have made it clear that prior to any operation in southern Gaza, it is imperative that a plan is in place that prioritizes the protection of civilians, as well as the maintenance and development of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza,” Blinken said. reporters in Tel Aviv.
A 25-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces in Tubas, northeast of Nablus, bringing to 248 the number of violent deaths in the West Bank since October 7.
“We discussed the details of Israel’s ongoing plans and I emphasized the need for the United States to ensure that the massive loss of civilian lives and displacement of people on the scale we have seen in northern Gaza will not occur in the south repeat,” he continued. These plans include “clearly and precisely demarcating zones and places in southern and central Gaza where civilians can be safe and out of the line of fire,” he explained. “The Israeli government agreed with this approach,” he assured. ‘As I told the Prime Minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] the intention is important, but so is the result.”
Blinken also said Israeli leaders offered “concrete measures” to implement the plans, without specifying which ones. During the meeting with Netanyahu, the shooting claimed by Hamas was discussed.
Excluding the more than 1,200 deaths from the October 7 attacks and the rockets in the following days, 35 Israelis were killed in the occupied territories and in their country in 2023 as victims of attacks.
Two gunmen killed three civilians and wounded six others before being shot by security forces in Jerusalem. “I told you [a Blinken] that is the same Hamas. It is the same Hamas that committed the terrible massacre of October 7 and the same Hamas that is trying to kill us everywhere. I told him: we have sworn, I have sworn, to eliminate Hamas. Nothing will stop us,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
During his meeting with President Isaac Herzog, the US Secretary of State emphasized the benefits of the ceasefire and asked for its extension. “Over the past week we have seen very positive developments as hostages have returned home and reunited with their families. The process has also led to an increase in humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza who desperately need it. That is why this process is achieving results It is important and we hope it can continue to be so,” he said.
Uncomfortable phone call
It is not only from the Spanish Prime Minister (see below) that Israeli leaders have heard critical words in addition to expressions of support. Count the The Washington Postciting a senior Tel Aviv official who said in a phone call between Pope Francis and President Isaac Herzog that it is “forbidden to respond to terror with terror.”
According to the same source, Herzog protested and reiterated the position that the Israeli government in Gaza did what was necessary to defend its people, and the Pope responded by recognizing that those involved in the attacks should be held accountable for their actions, but not citizens.
The conversation took place about a month ago, before the Argentine Pope developed breathing difficulties due to bronchitis. Last week, Francisco was moved as he received families of people killed in Gaza and families of Hamas hostages. Hours later, he declared at the general audience that the conflict “is no longer a war, but terrorism.”
Sánchez irritates Netanyahu again
The Israeli ambassador in Madrid was called to Tel Aviv for consultations, and the Spanish ambassador to Israel was called to the Israeli Foreign Ministry to hear a “reprimand”, another step in the worsening of the diplomatic crisis between the two countries. Just like last week, it was the Spanish Prime Minister’s statements that prompted a response from Netanyahu’s government, and Netanyahu himself, who classified them as “shameful.”
In an interview with TVE, Pedro Sánchez said he had “serious doubts about Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law” given the growing number of deaths in the Gaza Strip, “especially among boys and girls.” Last week, the Spanish leader had already angered the Israeli government by criticizing the “disproportionate killing of Palestinians” and proposing recognition of the Palestinian state, earning him accusations of “supporting terrorism”.
Source: DN
