US officials discuss lasting peace in Gaza following Hamas leadership decimation
January 15, 2025 | US Department of State
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The Department of State held a daily press briefing on January 15, 2025, focusing on the ongoing situation in Gaza and the implications for Israel and Hamas. The briefing highlighted the strategic interests of Israel in achieving a lasting peace following significant military actions against Hamas.
The spokesperson emphasized that Israel had successfully met its major strategic goals in Gaza, notably the dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities and the elimination of key leadership figures, including Yahya Sinwar. This military success is seen as crucial for Israel, as it aims to prevent a resurgence of conflict and the continuous cycle of violence that could arise from Hamas recruiting new militants.
A key point of discussion was the role of U.S. administrations in the negotiations. The spokesperson clarified that the continuity of involvement from both the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations was a significant factor in the negotiations, rather than the influence of Prime Minister Netanyahu or the president-elect.
The conversation also touched on the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The spokesperson reiterated the U.S. commitment to seeking a ceasefire and expressed concern over civilian casualties in Gaza. However, they noted that Hamas's leadership, particularly Sinwar, appeared to view civilian losses as a potential means to strengthen their position, indicating a complex dynamic in the conflict.
The briefing concluded with a question regarding the future governance of Gaza. It was noted that Secretary Blinken had outlined a "day after" plan, which involves the potential transfer of power from Hamas to a temporary administration, ultimately leading to governance by the Palestinian Authority. The spokesperson confirmed that discussions were ongoing regarding the conditions under which Hamas would relinquish control to facilitate this plan.
Overall, the meeting underscored the intricate balance of military strategy, political negotiations, and humanitarian concerns in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with a focus on achieving a sustainable resolution.
The spokesperson emphasized that Israel had successfully met its major strategic goals in Gaza, notably the dismantling of Hamas's military capabilities and the elimination of key leadership figures, including Yahya Sinwar. This military success is seen as crucial for Israel, as it aims to prevent a resurgence of conflict and the continuous cycle of violence that could arise from Hamas recruiting new militants.
A key point of discussion was the role of U.S. administrations in the negotiations. The spokesperson clarified that the continuity of involvement from both the outgoing and incoming U.S. administrations was a significant factor in the negotiations, rather than the influence of Prime Minister Netanyahu or the president-elect.
The conversation also touched on the humanitarian impact of the conflict. The spokesperson reiterated the U.S. commitment to seeking a ceasefire and expressed concern over civilian casualties in Gaza. However, they noted that Hamas's leadership, particularly Sinwar, appeared to view civilian losses as a potential means to strengthen their position, indicating a complex dynamic in the conflict.
The briefing concluded with a question regarding the future governance of Gaza. It was noted that Secretary Blinken had outlined a "day after" plan, which involves the potential transfer of power from Hamas to a temporary administration, ultimately leading to governance by the Palestinian Authority. The spokesperson confirmed that discussions were ongoing regarding the conditions under which Hamas would relinquish control to facilitate this plan.
Overall, the meeting underscored the intricate balance of military strategy, political negotiations, and humanitarian concerns in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with a focus on achieving a sustainable resolution.
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