US Rejects Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza

The United States has opposed a ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that Hamas must release all hostages first. White House spokesperson John Kirby, backed by President Joe Biden, stated this position. The US urged Israel to postpone a ground assault to facilitate hostage release and aid delivery, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military officials disagreed on timing. Israel continued airstrikes, and the Pentagon sent military advisers and air defense systems. Shortages of food, water, and shelter have caused some residents to return to northern Gaza. Israel ordered nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people to evacuate on October 13, displacing nearly two-thirds of the population, per the UN. Hamas released two Israeli hostages Monday night, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The US and Qatar are negotiating release of 50 dual nationals. UN and EU called for a humanitarian pause. Gaza’s health authority reports over 5,000 killed since the bombing began after the October 7 attack by Palestinian fighters, which killed about 1,300 Israelis.

The United States has opposed a ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that Hamas must release all hostages first. White House spokesperson John Kirby, backed by President Joe Biden, stated this position. The US urged Israel to postpone a ground assault to facilitate hostage release and aid delivery, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military officials disagreed on timing. Israel continued airstrikes, and the Pentagon sent military advisers and air defense systems. Shortages of food, water, and shelter have caused some residents to return to northern Gaza. Israel ordered nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people to evacuate on October 13, displacing nearly two-thirds of the population, per the UN. Hamas released two Israeli hostages Monday night, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The US and Qatar are negotiating release of 50 dual nationals. UN and EU called for a humanitarian pause. Gaza’s health authority reports over 5,000 killed since the bombing began after the October 7 attack by Palestinian fighters, which killed about 1,300 Israelis.

The United States has opposed a ceasefire in Gaza, insisting that Hamas must release all hostages first. White House spokesperson John Kirby, backed by President Joe Biden, stated this position. The US urged Israel to postpone a ground assault to facilitate hostage release and aid delivery, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military officials disagreed on timing. Israel continued airstrikes, and the Pentagon sent military advisers and air defense systems. Shortages of food, water, and shelter have caused some residents to return to northern Gaza. Israel ordered nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people to evacuate on October 13, displacing nearly two-thirds of the population, per the UN. Hamas released two Israeli hostages Monday night, brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The US and Qatar are negotiating release of 50 dual nationals. UN and EU called for a humanitarian pause. Gaza’s health authority reports over 5,000 killed since the bombing began after the October 7 attack by Palestinian fighters, which killed about 1,300 Israelis.

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