In a statement to Alhurra, the American TV channel, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, voiced the United States’ concern regarding the potential escalation of the conflict in Gaza to encompass Lebanon.
“Washington continues to work towards a diplomatic resolution for this conflict,” Miller stated, highlighting the U.S. efforts to mediate peace in the volatile region.
The United States has proposed a resolution to the United Nations Security Council aiming for a six-week ceasefire between the Palestinians and Israelis.
The American draft includes a temporary ceasefire and a phased release of hostages.
It emphasizes the U.S. opposition to any imminent Israeli incursion into Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, “under the current circumstances” and firmly rejects “the forced displacement” of civilians.
Furthermore, the United States exercised its veto power against a resolution sponsored by Arab states in the UN Security Council on Tuesday.
This resolution called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the release of all hostages, underscoring the complexity of achieving peace in the region and the pivotal role of U.S. diplomacy.
UK Ambassador to the UN Barbara Woodward affirmed that Palestinian civilians are facing a devastating humanitarian crisis amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
“We are particularly worried about the situation in Rafah, where a military operation could have appalling consequences for civilians sheltering there with nowhere else to go,” Woodward said at the UN Security Council.
During her speech, the UK official called for an immediate suspension in fighting to get aid in and hostages out, leading to a permanent and sustainable ceasefire.
“That means the release of all hostages; the formation of a new Palestinian Government for the West Bank and Gaza, accompanied by an international support package; removing Hamas’s capacity to launch attacks against Israel.”
