hostage’
John Kirby, the US State Department spokesman, has blamed Hamas for the breakdown of the recent cease-fire in the Middle East. Kirby argued that Hamas launched rockets into Israeli territory, in “clear violation of the humanitarian cessation of hostilities.”
Kirby further asserted that because of this activity, not only have innocent Israeli lives been put at risk, but Palestinian women and children have been taken hostage by Hamas. “We know from recent reports that Hamas is holding more women and children hostage, making them military targets,” Kirby said.
Kirby concluded that the responsibility for peaceful resolution lies firmly on Hamas’ shoulders. “Until Hamas stops its rocket fire, there can be no progress towards a durable ceasefire,” he said. He added that the US will continue to work with international partners to de-escalate the conflict and encourage a peaceful resolution.
