US supports Mideast ceasefire and hopes to aid Gaza

Secretary of State John Kerry gave support to the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestine Tuesday and expressed hope that it will be sustainable and "bring about an enduring end to the conflict in Gaza." "As soon as calm is restored, the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the people in Gaza must be accelerated, and the United States and the international community are fully committed to supporting this effort," affirmed Kerry in a statement.

The US noted that it is prepared to work with international partners and the Palestinian Authority on reconstruction initiatives and "ensure that this is for the benefit of the civilian population in Gaza, not Hamas and other terrorist organizations." The US highlighted that this ceasefire has solidified due to work with the Egyptians, Israelis and Palestinian Authority in the region.

"We are all aware that this is an opportunity, not a certainty," asserted Kerry. "Today's agreement comes after many hours and days of intensive discussions about how a sustainable ceasefire might provide the space and the opportunity to address long-term issues." The Secretary stressed, "Israelis have to be able to live in peace and security, without terrorist attacks, without rockets, without tunnels, without sirens going off and families scrambling to bomb shelters.

Palestinians also need to be able to live in peace and security and have full economic and social opportunities to build better lives for themselves and for their children." The US reiterated, "We are approaching the next phase with our eyes wide open

Source: KUNA