Stop the Slaughter: US Government Ramps Up Pressure to Prevent More Lives Lost
Protests for Ceasefire Spread in Israel and the US
Protests calling for a ceasefire have spread in Israel and the United States since the bodies of six hostages held by Hamas, including one American, were found.
The U.S. government is also pressuring Israel every day. This is Wang Jong-myeong, special correspondent in Washington.
Thousands Protest in New York’s Central Park
“Bring them home!” The father of a dead American hostage appeared before thousands of anti-war protesters in New York’s Central Park.
He was confirmed to be alive three months ago, but was eventually found dead, and he cried out that a ceasefire was urgent to prevent further hostage casualties.
John Paulin, the father of the deceased American hostage, said, “This should not happen. I want to call President Biden and tell Prime Minister Netanyahu not to delay the negotiations.”
US Government Pressures for Immediate Ceasefire
The U.S. government is also pressuring for an immediate ceasefire every day. Today, the US did not deny reports that it would present a final ceasefire proposal and that if Israel rejects it, it would withdraw from its mediation role.
John Kirby, White House National Security Council spokesperson, said, “I’m not going to speculate about what may or may not happen in the future, as we are in constant negotiation to finalize this deal.”
Vice President Harris Echoes White House’s Push for Greater Pressure on Israel
Vice President Harris has also echoed the White House’s push for greater pressure on Israel. When the protesters who appeared at the rally immediately called for a ceasefire and the speech was interrupted, he said that he would listen to the protesters’ voices.
“Let me put it this way: The President and I are working around the clock. We need to get the hostage negotiations done and get a ceasefire right now,” said Vice President Kamala Harris.
Former President Trump Blames Harris and Biden for Deaths of American Hostages
Former President Trump, on the other hand, blamed Harris and Biden for the deaths of the American hostages, saying that the US lacked power and leadership.
This is Wang Jong-myeong from MBC News in Washington.