US rejects calls for cease-fire in Gaza, saying it would benefit Hamas

WASHINGTON

The US on Monday reiterated its rejection of calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, arguing that such an action would afford the Palestinian group Hamas an opportunity to regroup and prepare for further attacks against Israel.

"Any ceasefire will give the ability to rest, to refit, and to get ready to continue launching terrorist attacks against Israel," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, addressing reporters during a daily press briefing.

"You can understand perfectly clearly why that’s an intolerable situation for Israel, as it would be an intolerable situation for any country that has suffered such a brutal terrorist attack and continues to see the terrorist threat right on its border," said Miller.

He also noted that US special envoy, David Satterfield, is "intensively" working on the ground to facilitate the passage of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing and ensure the safe departure of US citizens and other foreign nationals.

Last week, the US drew criticism for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution seeking "humanitarian pauses" in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict to deliver aid to Gaza.

The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Nearly 6,500 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 5,087 Palestinians and more than 1,400 Israelis.