WASHINGTON (AP) – Senate Republicans and Democrats are insisting that any viable cease-fire between Israel and Hamas (huh-MAHS’) militants must eliminate the threat posed by Hamas rockets and tunnels.
In a letter to President Barack Obama, three senators – Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democrats Chuck Schumer of New York and Ben Cardin of Maryland – said any cease-fire should create a situation in which Israelis no longer face the threat of brazen terrorist attacks.
The three lawmakers set a high bar for Secretary of State John Kerry, who is in Israel trying to negotiate a cease-fire. Obama administration officials have said Hamas must be denied the ability to fire rockets on Israelis.
The three lawmakers said a cease-fire cannot be sustained in the long run without eliminating the threats.