Posted on 07/15/2014 5:15:09 AM PDT by SJackson
"I cannot condemn strongly enough the actions of Hamas in so brazenly firing rockets in the face of a goodwill effort to offer a ceasefire," he says; Kerry cancels trip to the Middle East Tuesday morning, relying on ceasefire.
VIENNA -- US Secretary of State John Kerry blamed Hamas for powering through a ceasefire with Israel, brokered by the Egyptian government and accepted by Israel's cabinet Tuesday morning.
At least 35 rockets have been fired from the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire was set to begin, mere hours ago.
"I cannot condemn strongly enough the actions of Hamas in so brazenly firing rockets in multiple numbers in the face of a goodwill effort to offer a ceasefire, in which Egypt and Israel worked together, that the international community strongly supports," Kerry told reporters in Vienna on Tuesday morning.
Kerry said that Hamas is "purposely playing politics" by continuing the rocket fire, using innocent lives as "human shields... against the laws of war." "And that is why they are a terrorist organization," Kerry added.
The secretary is ready to fly back to the region at any moment, he said, and is declining to do so now in the hopes that Egypt's effort to broker a ceasefire itself will bear fruit. But the US fears the potential for an even greater escalation of violence, he said.
"Perhaps reason could prevail" within Hamas, Kerry continued, "if the political wing could deal with the military wing."
Kerry canceled a hastily-planned trip to the Middle East on Tuesday morning, relying instead on a ceasefire brokered by the Egyptian government between Israel and the Palestinians to at least temporarily end the conflict.
Israel's government has accepted the proposal, but Hamas - the primary perpetrator of rocket fire from Gaza against Israeli cities and towns over the last month - has yet to respond to the paper, which calls for an end to hostilities followed by dialogue.
"The Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire and negotiations provides an opportunity to end the violence and restore calm," Kerry said. "We welcome the Israeli cabinets decision to accept it. We urge all other parties to accept the proposal.
Kerry will instead return to Washington from Vienna, where he has been engaging Iranian leadership directly over its controversial nuclear program.
"Secretary Kerry has been deeply engaged in conversations with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Egyptian government officials and President Abbas throughout this difficult period, and the United States remains committed to working with them and our regional partners to find a resolution to this dangerous and volatile situation," State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
Duh, they’re terrorists. They can’t be negotiated with. Maybe Obama needs to know that too.
He's right.
If youd like to be on or off, please FR mail me.
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“Kerry said that Hamas is “purposely playing politics” by continuing the rocket fire, using innocent lives as “human shields... against the laws of war.”
According to John Claude, trying to kill people is “playing politics”.
Common Sense to Kerry: Islam wants a global war...nothing short of that!
Wake the frack up and smell the coffee Mr. Secretary of State!
ISIS - Hamas - Moslem Brotherhood - Hezbollah - Al Qaeda - Taliban - get it boatman?
An accurate statement.
Very good for John Kerry.
Exactly, he just can’t bring himself to do what must be done. Maybe what is missed here is that Egypt is tired of supporting this bunch in Gaza as well. Just like the King of Jordan did in the seventies kicking them out that started the whole Black September thing. Maybe Egypt offered this deal knowing that Hamas would not go for it so it would give Israel the license to kick them into the sea while Egypt closes its border for “security reasons”. I cannot emphasize enough that this was expected.
Better yet, maybe they will pack up their camels and cross over to ISIS.
Kerry should shut his mouth and go home. Especially after releasing the 4 worse terrorists in the world....in exchange for a traitor.
Kerry slams Hamas? Obama’s not going to like that... I predict Kerry’s about to have a job change... perhaps a long trip to Somolia or something.
Kerry is such a geek!
The Ø regime is like-minded, and in their own way terrorists themselves. Holder-et-al were lawyers for terrorists, the Ø gang knows how terrorists think, Ø himself started his trek to be Pres_ent in a terrorist's home, and they all aid and abet terrorists.
And yet, somehow, Israel will be the bad guy. As if the left doesn’t have enough scapegoats.
How could they even consider a ceasefire?
Israel had better get serious - QUICKLY - as to how they’re going to KILL these islamist bacterium.
Words, just words.
Blaah, blaah, blaah...
Hamas to Kerry, “I blow my nose in your general direction.”
That’s OK, Johnnie.....the good guys will take over now and show you how it’s done.
Net is amassing troops. I predict a well deserved blitz on these rotten Hamas muzzies.
Kerry returning to Washington. Accomplishments: Lifted boycott on Iran for “0” return on Nuke talks.
Obama + Kerry + Biden + Reid + Pelosi = Unfettered Buffoons, Morons & America Haters & Traitors!!!
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