“Blinken’s Humantarian Plea to Netanyahu on Israeli War Falters

The recent call for humanitarian pauses in the Israeli war by Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has failed to gain support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken had urged a pause in the violence to give humanitarian workers a chance to deliver aid and demilitarization of both sides in the conflict. The conflict, that has been going on since May 10, has caused immense destruction and suffering to the Palestinians and Israelis. Over 200 civilians, including 59 children, have died in Gaza due to the airstrikes conducted by the Israeli forces. On the other hand, at least 12 Israeli civilians, including two children, have been killed by Hamas rockets fired into Israel. The humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, have called for a pause in the conflict and for both sides to abide by international humanitarian law. However, Netanyahu has refused to commit to any cease-fire. While addressing media he said, “We will continue to act with full force to restore the peace and security of citizens of the State of Israel.” The disagreement over a cease-fire has prompted some international leaders to pressure Netanyahu to accept Blinken’s call and halt military operations. Recently, President Joe Biden said, “The cycle of violence must end. My administration is doing all it can to ensure that humanitarian aid is available.” He also added that his administration is committed to work towards a lasting peace in the region. Despite these reactions, Netanyahu has been adamant on staying the course of military actions in Israel and Gaza. He vehemently rejected Blinken’s call for a humanitarian pause, claiming that it would be used by Hamas to arm itself. He added that a ceasefire would be damaging for Israel and that the international community should “stop trying to dictate terms of agreement.” The deadlock over cease-fire continues as Netanyahu refuses to bow down to any foreign pressure. It is clear that Blinken’s call for a humanitarian pause has completely fallen flat, and a lasting peace in the region looks far from fruition. The recent call for humanitarian pauses in the Israeli war by Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has failed to gain support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Blinken had urged a pause in the violence to give humanitarian workers a chance to deliver aid and demilitarization of both sides in the conflict. The conflict, that has been going on since May 10, has caused immense destruction and suffering to the Palestinians and Israelis. Over 200 civilians, including 59 children, have died in Gaza due to the airstrikes conducted by the Israeli forces. On the other hand, at least 12 Israeli civilians, including two children, have been killed by Hamas rockets fired into Israel. The humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, have called for a pause in the conflict and for both sides to abide by international humanitarian law. However, Netanyahu has refused to commit to any cease-fire. While addressing media he said, “We will continue to act with full force to restore the peace and security of citizens of the State of Israel.” The disagreement over a cease-fire has prompted some international leaders to pressure Netanyahu to accept Blinken’s call and halt military operations. Recently, President Joe Biden said, “The cycle of violence must end. My administration is doing all it can to ensure that humanitarian aid is available.” He also added that his administration is committed to work towards a lasting peace in the region. Despite these reactions, Netanyahu has been adamant on staying the course of military actions in Israel and Gaza. He vehemently rejected Blinken’s call for a humanitarian pause, claiming that it would be used by Hamas to arm itself. He added that a ceasefire would be damaging for Israel and that the international community should “stop trying to dictate terms of agreement.” The deadlock over cease-fire continues as Netanyahu refuses to bow down to any foreign pressure. It is clear that Blinken’s call for a humanitarian pause has completely fallen flat, and a lasting peace in the region looks far from fruition.