US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Calls for Peace in the Middle East After Hamas Leader’s Assassination
New York [US], August 14: Amid the volatile situation in the Middle East after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination, US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need to reduce tensions in the region and prevent future attacks.
She stated, “A broader regional conflict is not inevitable. The United States’ overall goal remains to turn the temperature down in the region, deter and defend against any future attacks, and avoid regional conflict.”
The US is deeply concerned about reports of civilian casualties following the August 10 strike by the IDF on a compound in Gaza that included a school and a mosque sheltering displaced people. The US has raised these concerns with Israel, urging them to protect civilians under international humanitarian law.
Nearly two weeks later, Tehran is still calibrating its counterattack. The US, alongside Qatar and Egypt, has been working on a framework agreement based on principles endorsed by the UN Council in Resolution 2735. President Biden emphasized the urgency of releasing hostages, beginning a ceasefire, and implementing the agreement.
The US has called for urgent discussions on August 15 in Doha or Cairo to finalize the deal. The US has also taken precautionary steps, including moving an aircraft carrier group and additional air assets to the region, to defend Israel and US military personnel against any threats.
The envoy urged the finalization of a deal for an immediate ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza.
Doubts Revealed
US Ambassador -: A US Ambassador is a person who represents the United States in another country or at an international organization like the United Nations.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield -: Linda Thomas-Greenfield is a person who works for the US government and represents the US at the United Nations.
Middle East -: The Middle East is a region that includes countries like Israel, Palestine, and Egypt. It is far from India and has many different cultures and histories.
Hamas -: Hamas is a group in Palestine that has its own army and government. Some people see them as fighters for their land, while others see them as terrorists.
Assassination -: Assassination means killing someone important, usually for political reasons.
Ismail Haniyeh -: Ismail Haniyeh is a leader of Hamas, the group in Palestine.
IDF -: IDF stands for Israel Defense Forces, which is the military of Israel.
Gaza -: Gaza is a small area of land where many Palestinians live. It is often in the news because of conflicts.
Ceasefire -: A ceasefire is when two groups agree to stop fighting for a while.
Hostage -: A hostage is someone who is captured and held by another group, usually to get something in return.
Qatar -: Qatar is a small, rich country in the Middle East.
Egypt -: Egypt is a large country in the Middle East, known for its ancient pyramids.
Framework agreement -: A framework agreement is a basic plan that countries agree on to solve a problem.
Military assets -: Military assets are things like soldiers, tanks, and planes that a country uses to protect itself.