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Blinken: U.S. Pressure on Israel Caused Hamas to Withdraw from Ceasefire and Hostage Release Talks; Aid Threatened

Jan 5, 2025, 04:46 AM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has revealed in an interview with the New York Times that public pressure from the U.S. on Israel has led Hamas to withdraw from potential ceasefire and hostage release agreements. Blinken noted that whenever there was 'public daylight' between the U.S. and Israel, Hamas perceived this as an opportunity to pull back from negotiations. He also expressed frustration over the lack of international pressure on Hamas to surrender and release hostages since the October 7 attack, describing the situation as 'astounding.' Blinken further disclosed that he had to threaten to cancel a planned visit by President Joe Biden to Israel if the country did not allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, a move that was eventually agreed upon after intense discussions with Israeli leadership.