Clinton Calls For 'Durable' Peace Agreement
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Clinton rushed to the region to mediate a "durable outcome" for the conflict. (IIP State/Flickr)
Clinton arrived in Israel late Tuesday in an attempt to mediate a "durable outcome" that would end the violence in the Gaza Strip. She said the goal is to "promote regional stability and advances the security and legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians alike."
The Secretary of State cut short a three-nation tour with President Obama in order to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he would prefer a diplomatic outcome, but would "take whatever action is necessary to protect its people.
SEE ALSO: 'Earthquake' In Gaza, Israel Carries Into Second Week
According to CBS News, Clinton's meeting with Netanyau came after a top advisor to Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi confirmed that a cease-fire announcement would not happen Tuesday as expected.
A spokesperson for the Morsi-backed Muslim Brotherood in Egypt said the announcement would be postponed to comply with an Israeli request asking for a more time.
SEE ALSO: Gaza Ceasefire's First Step Is De-Escalation, State Department Says
Israeli officials said they were undergoing "intensive efforts" to end the fighting, which has escalated over the past week, killing five Israelis and more than 130 Palestinians. The Huffington Post said an Israeli media outlet quoted Defense Minister Ehud Barak as saying the country wanted 24 hours to determine whether Hamas could enforce a truce.
In addition to ending Israeli airstrikes and targeted killings in Gaza, the cease-fire would open Gaza crossing points and a halt on rocket attacks on Israel.
SEE ALSO: Ceasefire Pact Reached, Hamas Says
The U.S. would only support an agreement that ends the firing of rockets into Israeli territory, reported the Washington Post.
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