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US says Hamas solely to blame for resumption of Gaza hostilities

U.S. blames Hamas for resumed Gaza violence, backs Israel’s response, and rejects claims of indiscriminate IDF attacks

US says Hamas solely to blame for resumption of Gaza hostilities
Displaced Palestinians make their way as they flee the northern part of Gaza, amid an Israeli military operation, in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip.
Reuters

Responsibility for the resumption of hostilities in Gaza lies solely with Hamas, and the United States supports Israel in its next steps, the acting U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Ambassador Dorothy Shea made the statement to a United Nations Security Council briefing after Palestinian health authorities said Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza and killed more than 400 people, ending weeks of relative calm after talks to secure a permanent ceasefire stalled.

"The blame for the resumption of hostilities lies solely with Hamas," 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.

Shea said U.S. 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 Israel Defense 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."

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