US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said, that the only obstacle between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire in the enclave is "Hamas", reported France Press, quoted by BTA.
"We're waiting to see, really, if they can accept to answer with a "Yes" of the ceasefire and the release of the hostages," said Blinken.
"The reality at this point is that the only obstacle between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas, he added.
On this occasion, Blinken stated that "Hamas" claims to represent the Palestinian people and added that if this is true, then acceptance of a ceasefire should be self-evident.
Blinken also stated that "An Israeli attack on Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip would cause damage beyond what is acceptable.
According to Blinken, Israel has not presented any plan to protect civilians during such a possible attack on Rafah.
"In the absence of such a plan, we cannot support a large-scale military operation in Rafah because the damage it would cause would be beyond what is acceptable,” Blinken said.
These statements were made by the Secretary of State during a forum organized by the “McCain Institute” in the American state of Arizona, reported France Press.
Blinken returned to the US from his seventh tour of the Middle East, during which he also visited Israel.
Most of the residents of Gaza have found refuge in Rahaf after the start of the Israeli military operation against "Hamas" there, following the attack by "Hamas" against South Israel on October 7.