The US Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton, made an announcement following a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza (video above, courtesy U.S. Department of State).
Speaking in Cairo, Egypt, on November 21 2012, Secretary Clinton said:
Thank you very much, Foreign Minister Amr. I want to thank President Morsi for his personal leadership to de-escalate the situation in Gaza and end the violence.
This is a critical moment for the region. Egypt’s new government is assuming the responsibility and leadership that has long made this country a cornerstone of regional stability and peace.
The United States welcomes the agreement today for a ceasefire in Gaza. For it to hold, the rocket attacks must end, a broader calm return.
The people of this region deserve the chance to live free from fear and violence, and today’s agreement is a step in the right direction that we should build on. Now we have to focus on reaching a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and advances the security, dignity, and legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis alike.
President Morsi and I discussed how the United States and Egypt can work together to support the next steps in that process.
In the days ahead, the United States will work with partners across the region to consolidate this progress, improve conditions for the people of Gaza, provide security for the people of Israel. Ultimately, every step must move us toward a comprehensive peace for all the people of the region.
As I discussed today with President Morsi, as well as Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas, there is no substitute for a just and lasting peace.
Now that there is a ceasefire, I am looking forward to working with the Foreign Minister and others to move this process. Thank you very much, Foreign Minister.
U.S. Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton
The success of the ceasefire is being measured minute to minute.
