United States Happy with Gaza Ceasefire, but Iran Wants More

Coming off the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza, the United States lauded the work that was done to bring peace, even if temporary, to the region, though Iran has noted that the ceasefire is not enough. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice noted that, "The goal remains a durable and fully respected ceasefire that will lead to stabilization and normalization in Gaza. The United States commends Egypt for its efforts and remains deeply concerned by the suffering of innocent Palestinians. We welcome calls for immediate coordinated international action to increase assistance flows and will contribute to such efforts."

Despite that, Iranian leaders don’t think the ceasefire agreement goes far enough, and has urged Western countries, including the United States, to engage with Hamas. Meanwhile, the U.N. threw its full support behind the measure, as Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted, "I am relieved that the Israeli government has decided to cease hostilities. This should be the first step leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza." Ki-moon noted that such a withdrawal would be welcome if it were to occur "as soon as possible."

Talks to move the ceasefire to more stable ground occurred yesterday and will continue as European leaders and the U.N. leadership will discuss the matter in Egypt. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, noted that "Israel must allow full access to humanitarian workers, and to relief supplies. We must also end Gaza’s economic isolation by reopening the crossing that link it to the outside world."