Antony Blinken to Jordan: A Ceasefire will Serve Hamas

Blinken responded to reporters' questions during a press conference after his meeting with the King of Jordan. When asked about a ceasefire, Blinken explained that "according to the American position, a ceasefire now would serve Hamas, allowing them to survive, reorganize, and carry out what they did on October 7. A Hamas member recently announced their intention to carry out such a massacre again."

Blinken added and said, "No sovereign state would tolerate such a threat on its border. Therefore, we reiterate that Israel has the right to defend itself, and it has a duty to protect its citizens. Israel must take necessary steps to ensure that the events of October 7 will never happen again."