Senator Dick Durbin Becomes First Person In US Parliament To Support Ceasefire In Gaza
US Senator Dick Durbin became the first person in the United States parliament to support a ceasefire to end hostilities in Gaza.
However, Durbin required that Hamas first release more than 200 hostages they brought to the enclave after a cross-border attack on 7 October.
Durbin, a Democratic Democratic Party member of Illinois who has served for more than 25 years in the federal legislature, answered CNN's question about whether a ceasefire was needed in Gaza.
"I think it is, at least in the context if both parties agree. For example, the release of those kidnapped must be part of this (resolution) -- immediate release. That should be the first step," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, November 3.
This effort must be made to initiate negotiations between Israel and Palestine. Let's admit: this (conflict) has been going on for decades. Whatever the original reason, this (conflict) has now reached an intolerable level. We need to have a resolution in the Middle East that provides some hope for the future," he added.
Durbin admitted that he had not yet conveyed his position to US President Joe Biden.
Biden has firmly rejected calls for a ceasefire, but personally supports small-scale humanitarian tides', which will enable the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid and facilitate the evacuation of people who want to escape violence.
VOIR éGALEMENT:
Biden made this statement during a campaign in Minnesota, USA on Wednesday (1/11). At that time, a protester interrupted Biden's speech and urged him to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
"As a liar, I want you to call for a ceasefire right now," he shouted, identified as Rabi Jessica Rosenberg.
Biden responded by saying, "I think we need a break. The pause means giving time to free the hostages."
"I am the one who convinced Aunt (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) to call for a ceasefire so that prisoners can get out," Biden said.
"I am the one talking to (Egyptian President Abdel Fattal El) Sisi to convince him to open the door (Rafah border)," he added.
Senior Biden administration officials said the ceasefire would only benefit Hamas.