‘There Are No Plans for Complete Evacuation of Gaza Strip’: Blinken

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated during negotiations in Ankara that there are no plans for the complete evacuation of residents from the Gaza Strip, and a temporary halt to military operations may be discussed. TASS reports:

As noted by the newspaper, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan mentioned during negotiations with Blinken that Ankara is expecting a premature ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, and highlighted the fact that the U.S., due to its position, is damaging its own international image.

The United States, for now, is "reluctant to utter the word 'ceasefire' and is using the term 'pause.'" A halt or suspension of the conflict will require the release of hostages and arrangements for fleeing Gaza. Steps towards resolution are anticipated to begin.

Blinken and his delegation in Ankara announced that they would intensify efforts to prevent civilian casualties and increase humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians. Furthermore, the U.S. side assured that there are no plans for the complete evacuation of Gaza residents, stating that "everyone will remain in their places."