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Added on the 05/03/2024 15:44:48 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel's "response will be very powerful" if Hamas breaks the ceasefire during a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Jerusalem. IMAGES
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has asked China's foreign minister and other counterparts to use their influence to dissuade Iran from striking Israel, the State Department says. Blinken spoke by telephone to his Chinese, Turkish, Saudi and European counterparts "to make clear that escalation is not in anyone's interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller tells reporters. SOUNDBITE
US President Joe Biden urges Hamas to move on a proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, while calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow more aid into the Palestinian territory. "It's now up to Hamas, they need to move on the proposal that's been made," Biden tells a press conference at the White House, adding that the amount of aid getting into Gaza following a tense call with Netanyahu was "not enough." SOUNDBITE
The United States says that a ceasefire voted by the United Nations can "only" be implemented once Hamas begins releasing hostages it still holds. SOUNDBITE
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says "an immediate full ceasefire" between Israel and Hamas which collapses into fighting "would not be in anyone's interest" ahead of a parliamentary debate on the issue. Speaking during his weekly question session, Sunak tells the House of Commons that he backs an "immediate humanitarian pause" ahead of a motion and vote on a ceasefire in the chamber. SOUNDBITE