WASHINGTON, Oct 17 (KUNA) -- Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said the United States will redouble its efforts with partners to end the conflict in Gaza Strip and secure the release all hostages.
The efforts, in the days ahead, will aim to "chart a new path forward that will enable the people of Gaza to rebuild their lives and realize their aspirations free from war and free from the brutal grip of Hamas," he said in a press release on Thursday.
Commenting on reports that Hamas leader Yahya Al-Sinwar was killed by the Israeli occupation forces, Blinken said, "On multiple occasions over the past months, Sinwar rebuffed efforts by the United States and its partners to bring this war to a close through an agreement that would return the hostages to their families and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people." On her part, Vice President Kamala Harris said, "This moment gives us an opportunity to finally end the war in Gaza, and it must end such that Israel is secure, the hostages are released, the suffering in Gaza ends, and the Palestinian people can realize their right to dignity, security, freedom, and self-determination." "We will not give up on these goals, and I will always work to create a future of peace, dignity, and security for all," she said in a speech at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in the Mideast State of Wisconsin. (end) rsr.gb