WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – As the war in Gaza rages on, U.S. leaders are pushing for an end to the fighting and a hostage release.
It comes as college campuses across the country have been ratcheting up protests.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is working out a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and he says the end of this war is in the hands of Hamas.
In Saudi Arabia, Blinken urged Hamas to accept Israel’s ceasefire deal.
“Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily, extraordinarily generous,” Blinken said.
The deal would require Hamas to release some of the hostages taken during its October terrorist attack against Israel.
“The only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas. They have to decide, and they have to decide quickly,” said Blinken.
South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Hamas should accept the agreement.
“So, let’s get the deal done. We’re running out of time,” Graham said.
However, Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said its time for Israel to stop its attacks.
“A military campaign alone cannot do the job to try to defeat an ideology like Hamas,” said Murphy.
So far more than 30,000 Palestinians have died in the war, according to the Gaza health ministry.
The conflict has prompted protests at universities across the country.
Pro-Palestine students set up tents on campuses to demand their colleges cut ties with Israel.
Iowa Republican Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks called out some of their chants for being antisemitic.
“My heart goes out to all of the Jewish students who no longer feel safe at American universities,” said Miller-Meeks.
Secretary Blinken said he understands why people are speaking out but says these protests have ignored Hamas.
“Where is the demand on Hamas? There’s been silence,” Blinken said.
Secretary Blinken will be in Israel Tuesday as part of his Middle East trip. He said he’ll urge Israeli leaders to do more to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
