President Joe Biden’s administration is reversing a call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, appointed by President Biden, said on X on Sunday that the administration was encouraging talks of a ceasefire.
“Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and I spoke further on Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel. I encouraged Turkey’s advocacy for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages by Hamas immediately,” Mr. Blinken wrote.
The U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs also indicated support for a ceasefire after Hamas terrorists entered Israel on Saturday and murdered Israelis.
“We unequivocally condemn the attack of Hamas terrorists and the loss of life that has incurred. We urge all sides to refrain from violence and retaliatory attacks. Terror and violence solve nothing,” the office said.
Both posts were later deleted.
Mr. Blinken’s post “didn’t accurately reflect the language of the accompanying readout, which noted we are calling for Hamas to stop its attacks on Israel,” Matthew Miller, the spokesman, said. “That is our position, as the secretary made clear in his appearances yesterday.”
A summary of the call between Mr. Blinken and Mr. Fidan, released by the State Department, did not touch on a ceasefire.
“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. They discussed developments related to the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel,” the readout stated. “The secretary encouraged Türkiye’s continued engagement and highlighted the United States’ unwavering focus on halting the attacks by Hamas and securing the release of all hostages.”
In appearances on Sunday morning shows, Mr. Blinken did not mention a ceasefire, though he said officials were focused on “using every effort to pull Hamas back and to prevent this from escalating.”
The State Department declined to comment to The Epoch Times.
Some Republicans criticized Mr. Blinken’s deleted statement.
“The US Secretary of State advocating for Israel to cease fire?!” Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.), a Navy veteran, said in a statement.
He added later, “it’s massive counter attack time or innocent Israelis will continue to be terrorized and Americans could be next.”
Israel has declared a state of war, with top commanders promising to strike back at Gaza, which Hamas controls.
The attacks left hundreds dead, including at least nine Americans, and thousands of others wounded.
President Biden said over the weekend that “my administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering.”
He conveyed that support to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to a readout.
“The President also conveyed that additional assistance for the Israeli Defense Forces is now on its way to Israel with more to follow over the coming days. The leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation,” the readout stated.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) was among those calling for the eradication of Hamas, which does not recognize Israel has a right to exist.
“There can be no cease-fire, negotiated solution or peaceful coexistence with depraved barbarians who murder teen-aged girls, children and the elderly and then dump them in the streets of Gaza so bloodthirsty crowds can desecrate their bodies? Hamas must be eradicated and Israel must respond DISPROPORTIONATELY to this and to any futures attacks from any enemy,” Mr. Rubio said in a statement.
Some other members of Congress, though, said they support a ceasefire, including Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.).
“We need an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation,” she said. “It is long past time to stop this cycle of violence and trauma, and work toward a just and lasting peace in the region.”
