US says Hamas solely to blame for resumption of Gaza hostilities
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Palestinians inspecting the site of an Israeli air strike on a residential building in Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on March 18.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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NEW YORK – Responsibility for the resumption of hostilities in Gaza lies solely with Hamas, and the United States supports Israel in its next steps, the acting US ambassador to the United Nations said on March 18.
Ambassador Dorothy Shea made the statement to a United Nations Security Council briefing after Palestinian health authorities said Israeli air strikes pounded Gaza
“The blame for the resumption of hostilities lies solely with Hamas,” Ms Shea said, charging that the group had refused every proposal and deadline to extend the ceasefire and allow time to negotiate a framework for a permanent ceasefire.
Ms Shea said US President Donald Trump had made clear that Hamas must release the hostages it is holding immediately or pay a high price.
“We support Israel in its next steps,” she said, while rejecting allegations that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) were conducting indiscriminate attacks.
“The IDF is striking Hamas positions,” she said. “It is well known that Hamas continues to use civilian infrastructure as launching pads, and the United States condemns this practice, as should others.” REUTERS
