The U.S. reiterated its aim for Israel to totally withdraw from the Gaza Strip, responding to Israeli opposition chief Benny Gantz’s assertion that navy operations may persist for years.
“We ultimately want to see Israel fully withdrawn from Gaza,” State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated Thursday, following Gantz’s feedback concerning the extended navy presence within the area.
Gantz, head of the National Unity Party and a former War Cabinet minister, labeled the latest killing of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar as an “important achievement,” however insisted it doesn’t signify the battle’s conclusion.
The Israeli navy introduced Sinwar’s loss of life on Thursday, and Gantz emphasised that Israel should capitalize on this growth to safe the return of hostages and dismantle Hamas’ governance.
“The Israeli military will continue to operate in the Gaza Strip for years to come,” he stated on X.
When requested concerning the U.S. stance on the reoccupation of Gaza – a difficulty beforehand articulated by Secretary of State Antony Blinken – Miller affirmed, “Of course.”
He didn’t immediately handle Gantz’s feedback however reiterated the U.S. need for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Miller acknowledged Israel’s proper to defend itself towards terrorist threats, emphasizing the significance of reaching an finish to the battle.
“What we want to see is an end to this war, the elimination of the terrorist threat from Gaza, and a political path that establishes a Palestinian state that is not hostile to Israel,” he stated.
“Of course, you wouldn’t want to see and wouldn’t need to see the IDF operating in that environment,” he added, reinforcing the U.S. dedication to a peaceable decision.
Source: www.dailysabah.com