VOA常速英语:Ceasefire Necessary Between Israel and Hamas

“The United States is deeply concerned about the rocket attacks by Hamas [on Israel] and the dangerous escalation of hostilities in the region,” U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Samantha Power said recently at a UN Security Council briefing on the Middle East.  “In particular, we are concerned about the devastating impact of this crisis on both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.”

In the last two weeks, Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza have launched more than 2,000 rockets toward population centers in Israel.

“Hamas’ attacks are unacceptable and would be unacceptable to any member state of the United Nations. Israel has the right to defend its citizens and prevent these attacks,” Ambassador Power said.

U.S. President Barack Obama also said recently that the United States is deeply concerned about the potential loss of more innocent lives. It is important that everything possible is done to prevent civilian casualties, as well as to mitigate the suffering of innocent men, women, and children.

“The four Palestinian boys playing on the beach in Gaza City were like boys everywhere, restless for play. Their deaths are heartbreaking, and the loss their family members and neighbors must feel today must be searing,” Ambassador Power said.

The United States is committed to finding a diplomatic solution to stop the ongoing violence.

The only way to end this situation is an immediate cessation of hostilities based on a return to the November 2012 cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

“Too much innocent blood has been shed.” Ambassador Power said in conclusion. “The suffering of innocent civilians must come to an end.”