Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera has said that Arab nations have for the first time agreed to recognise Israel as a country but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “disappointing” as he has not accepted a ceasefire deal that would ensure a return to peace in Gaza.
“Benjamin Netanyahu is standing in the way of a ceasefire agreement,” Congress member Bera said in an exclusive interview to NDTV.
Speaking about the long process of achieving a ceasefire agreement, Congressman Bera said, “I am also disappointed. You have to have both Hamas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu come forward to negotiate. And I am disappointed in Prime Minister Netanyahu. He should accept the ceasefire agreement and we should get the hostages released.”
He highlighted the fact that Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations are willing to change ties with Israel and recognise it as a country, calling it a “remarkable” development. However, he said all this will only start with a ceasefire agreement and beginning discussions about a two-state solution. “Prime Minister Netanyahu is the only one standing in the way,” Mr Bera said.
Ami Bera, who is serving his sixth consecutive term, is the most senior and longest-serving Indian-American Congressman in the House of Representatives.
He is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Select Committee on Intelligence.
The congressman also outlined Vice President Kamala Harris’ stance on the Gaza crisis and what steps she might take if she is elected president in the November elections. “Vice President Harris has spoken about the tragedy of October 7, but also the tragic deaths of civilians after October 7. She, along with President Biden, understands the importance of a ceasefire and bringing the hostages back home.”
Mr. Bera said he reiterated the importance of the Jewish people living safely in Israel and of the Palestinian people living in dignity and peace.
More than 40,000 people have lost their lives in the nearly year-long war in Gaza. Meanwhile, months of talks mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US have failed to stop the conflict between Hamas and Israel.