US steps up pressure for Gaza ceasefire as death toll rises

The United States on Tuesday issued a strong appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel and Hamas to reach a deal to halt nearly 11 months of fighting and release the remaining hostages held by the militants.

The call came after Israeli forces found the bodies of six hostages shot dead by Hamas in a tunnel in Rafah, southern Gaza.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “There are still dozens of hostages remaining in Gaza, still waiting for a deal that will bring them home. It’s time to get that deal done.”

He added, “The Israeli people cannot wait any longer. The Palestinian people, who are also suffering the effects of this war, cannot wait any longer. The world cannot wait any longer.”

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Miller announced that the U.S. would work closely with Egyptian and Qatari mediators over the coming days to push for a final agreement. One of the sticking points in the negotiations has been Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on keeping Israeli troops on the Gaza-Egypt border. However, Miller said the U.S. opposes a long-term Israeli troop presence in Gaza.

Achieving a ceasefire and securing the release of the remaining hostages will require flexibility from both sides, Miller said. “It will require both sides to find reasons to say yes rather than reasons to say no,” he said.

The U.S. appeal for an end to the fighting came after the Israeli military announced the death of a Hamas militant involved in an October attack on Israel. The militant, Ahmed Fozi Wadia, was identified as one of eight people killed in an airstrike Saturday in Gaza City.

In a separate development, Netanyahu’s office responded to Britain’s decision to suspend some arms exports to Israel over concerns about their use in Gaza. “Rather than supporting Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarity, the UK’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas,” Netanyahu’s office said.

As the conflict continues, the international community remains divided over the best course of action. However, the US remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution, with Miller stressing, “We will continue to work tirelessly to support a ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages.”

US steps up pressure for Gaza ceasefire as death toll rises first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.