Source: Mondoweiss.net
Secretary of State Antony Blinken deleted a statement on social media calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Palestine. The move comes amid Israeli vows to punish Gaza over Hamas’ recent attack.
“Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and I spoke further on Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel,” Blinken had tweeted on Sunday. “I encouraged Tükiye’s advocacy for a cease-fire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas immediately.”
The post was immediately attacked by Republicans and right-wing pundits. “The Biden Administration is showing its true colors,” wrote Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL). “Once Israel indicated it was going on offense into Gaza, Blinken encourages a cease-fire. Israel has every right to respond to these horrific acts of terror.”
“‘Ceasefire’? Secretary of State Blinken is out to lunch,” tweeted the Hudson Institute’s Mike Doran. “Israel is mobilizing for war, precisely as the United States mobilized after 9/11. Could some mediator have called President Bush on 9/13/2001, and said, ‘George, let’s consider a ceasefire’? This is just nuts.”
A similar deletion took place shortly before, with the State Department’s Office of Palestinian Affairs removing a tweet that urged both side to “refrain from violence and retaliatory attacks.”
The removal of Blinken’s statement comes amid Israeli promises to destroy Gaza over the attack. “We will take mighty vengeance for this wicked day,” declared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip,” said Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. “There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we will act accordingly.”…