US sends diplomats to urge for peace in Israel and Palestine
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that the United States is going to send a diplomat to convince Israelis and Palestinians to rest the “harrowing” violence. Adding, Israel had a specific responsibility to avoid civilian casualties, reported Reuters.
Blinken added, “The images that came out overnight are harrowing. I have asked Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hady Amr to go to the region immediately to meet with Israelis and Palestinians. He will urge, on my behalf and on behalf of President (Joe) Biden, a de-escalation of violence.”
Israel confirmed on Wednesday that it killed 16 members of the Hamas armed wing in Gaza in a bombardment. Also, Palestinian militants shot rockets on Israel afterwards, giving rise to global concern over their most extreme hostilities in years.
Blinken said that both the sides must deescalate violence. He created a distinction saying, “a terrorist organization, Hamas, that is indiscriminately raining down rockets in fact targeting civilians, and Israel’s response, defending itself.”
Although he directed a particular responsibility on Israel, adding,” I think Israel has an extra burden in trying to do everything they possibly can to avoid civilian casualties, even as it is rightfully responding in defense of the people.”