WATCH: Hillary Clinton Explains Why Israel Has the Right to Defend Itself Against Hamas – News18

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has backed Israel’s right to defend itself in the wake of the month-old war in the Middle East region that was triggered by the October 7 Hamas attack. More than 1,400 people in Israel have been killed, most of them in the initial attack that started the fighting, during which 239 hostages were taken from Israel into Gaza. A subsequent military has led to the killing of over 10,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

“Remember, there was a ceasefire on October 6, that Hamas broke by their barbaric assault on peaceful civilians,” Hillary said during a popular US show ‘The View’. “There was a ceasefire. It did not hold because Hamas chose to break it.” Clinton, who served as the top US diplomat from 2019-2013, said that Hamas has consistently broken ceasefires over a number of years. “Israel has a right to defend itself, as does Ukraine,” she said during the show.

The former top US envoy explained that she has been to Gaza and understands the situation there and Hamas’s use of civilians “as tools of war.” “I think we’re now moving toward a position where humanitarian pauses are on the table, as they should be,” she said. “We should remember over 240 innocent people, not only Israelis — are held hostage,” she said.

She also emphasised that attempts were made over the years for a peace treaty between Israel and the Palestinians. “I believe it’s imperative… to try finally to dislodge Hamas and have a leadership that will work for a two-state solution, which should be the outcome we all hope and pray for,” Clinton said.

Israel-Hamas War: Talks Underway for Three-Day Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza

Clinton’s remarks come as negotiations are underway to reach a three-day humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza in exchange for the release of about a dozen hostages held by Hamas, The Associated Press reported, citing two officials from Egypt, one from the United Nations and a Western diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic efforts.

The deal would enable more aid, including limited amounts of fuel, to enter the besieged territory to alleviate worsening conditions for the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped there. The deal is being brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, according to the officials and the diplomat.

(With agency inputs)