Blinken: Proposal to end Gaza conflict still possible

2024-07-02 16:43:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Blinken: Proposal to end Gaza conflict still possible

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Source, AP

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says President Joe Biden's proposal to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas is still within reach, as he urged Hamas to accept it. As Voice of America correspondent Veronica Balderas Iglesias reports, the US diplomat has also emphasized the importance of post-war plans to rebuild Gaza and prevent a security vacuum there.

As Israeli troops continue to push deeper into Gaza in pursuit of the militants, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that Hamas' military capabilities have been nearly eliminated.

"We are nearing the end of the phase of eliminating the terrorist army of Hamas and we will continue to strike its remnants," Mr. Netanyahu said.

The announcement came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Hamas to accept a phased peace proposal. He spoke during a meeting at the Brookings Institution.

"I think President Biden's proposal is achievable. "It would be the best and fastest way to end the conflict in Gaza, stop the violence and massively increase aid, bring everyone home, including the American hostages," Mr. Blinken said.

The US Secretary of State said there should not be a security vacuum in Gaza after the end of the conflict between Israel and Hamas

"There must be clear, coherent and achievable plans for the governance of Gaza, for security and of course, to help people rebuild their shattered lives," Mr Blinken said.

One of the Palestinians whose life has changed radically and demands accountability is Dr. Mohammed Abu Selmia, director of Al Shifa Hospital. He was released on Monday from an Israeli prison where he had been held since November.

"They tortured us badly, I have a broken finger. They repeatedly hit me on the head, causing me to bleed several times. Torture is almost daily in Israeli prisons," said Dr. Mohammed Abu Selmia, director of Al Shifa Hospital.

Israeli prison officials told the Washington Post they were unaware of the torture allegations, adding that prisoners have the right to file complaints that will be fully investigated.

Israeli troops raided Al Shifa hospital last year, under allegations that Hamas militants were using it as a command center. Hospital officials denied the allegations.

Abu Selmia was released along with about fifty Palestinians who returned to Gaza for medical treatment./ VOA