US: An Early Ceasefire at This Stage Means Hamas's Survival and Repetition of Attacks Similar to October 7 Against Israel

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, said at a press conference on Wednesday that an early ceasefire at this stage would mean the survival of Hamas, the preservation of its weapons and military infrastructure, and the repetition of attacks similar to those on October 7 against Israel. Miller added, "The approval of this UN resolution shows that other countries also agree with the US that the war must end, but now is not the time." On Tuesday, the US voted against a draft resolution in the UN General Assembly that called for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Miller continued that the October 7 attack should wake the world from its slumber, as the continued rule of Hamas in Gaza is not in anyone's interest. The draft resolution, which is non-binding, was approved with 153 votes in favor, 10 against, and 23 abstentions. The aim of this resolution was to stop the killing of Palestinian civilians and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. According to Miller, sustainable peace in the region requires the overthrow of Hamas and the transfer of power in Gaza to a group that represents all Palestinians. He described this change as a basis for establishing an independent state for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his speech to Israeli soldiers, stated that there is international pressure to end the war, but the battle will continue until Hamas is destroyed.