Top US Diplomat States Gaza Cease-Fire Would Be a ‘Setback’

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared before Congress on Tuesday, amid fervent protests, asserting that a cease-fire in Gaza remains achievable. However, he suggested that an arrest warrant from the World Court complicates diplomatic initiatives.

During his testimony, Blinken faced interruptions from demonstrators vocally criticizing American involvement in the alleged war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, where the casualties have surpassed 35,000 Palestinians. Some audience members were escorted out after labeling him a “war criminal,” while others, their hands painted red, maintained a silent protest behind him.

He acknowledged the roles of Qatar and Egypt in facilitating the ongoing negotiations, which aim to broker a temporary cease-fire between Hamas and Israel in exchange for the release of hostages.

Despite efforts, CIA Director Bill Burns, who spearheads U.S. discussions on this matter, returned from the region about ten days ago without securing any agreements.

Blinken remarked to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, “We have come perilously close to reaching an agreement on a few occasions.” He reiterated their persistent engagement, claiming, “There’s still hope.” However, he recognized that recent events have made their task increasingly challenging.

He particularly criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s “ill-advised” decision to equate actions of Hamas with those of Israel’s leadership, saying it complicates the potential for an agreement.

Karim Khan, the ICC prosecutor, recently sought arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and for Hamas officials.

President Joe Biden characterized this move as “preposterous,” arguing that it unjustly juxtaposes Hamas—a group responsible for the October 7 attack on Israel—with Israel, which faces accusations of genocidal conduct in Gaza.

Republican lawmakers have encouraged Biden to respond against the ICC’s actions. Former President Donald Trump had previously sanctioned another prosecutor, a decision which Biden revoked upon taking office.

Senator Lindsey Graham reflected on the ICC’s past investigations concerning U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, warning, “If they target Israel, who are they coming after next?”

Blinken stopped short of endorsing sanctions, stating that the administration is evaluating an “appropriate response” to the ICC’s maneuvers.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the United States would continue to cooperate with the ICC on a separate investigation of alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in an appalling toll: at least 35,647 fatalities in Gaza, the majority of whom were civilians.