U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference on the 20th that the United States will once again urge the realization of a cessation of hostilities for the release of hostages held by the Islamic organization Hamas and others in the Gaza Strip, but whether or not it will be realized is left to Hamas to respond.
Regarding the release of hostages held by the Islamic organization Hamas and others in the Gaza Strip, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "We are working every day to stop fighting again and release the hostages from the Gaza Strip," and emphasized the idea that the United States will continue to work for it.
"Israel has made it clear that it welcomes another cessation of hostilities for the release of the hostages, and the question is whether Hamas will comply," he said, adding that it is up to Hamas to decide whether it will happen.
Regarding the Israeli military's military operations, he said, "I expect them to shift to targeted operations, including Hamas officials, which will significantly reduce civilian casualties."
On the other hand, regarding the fact that the ruling and opposition parties could not agree on the emergency budget necessary for the continuation of support for Ukraine in the US Congress and abandoned approval by the end of the year, Secretary Blinken said, "The funds for the necessary support are exhausted and there is no time.