The United States continues to make efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, despite the Hamas terrorist group’s refusal to accept the American offer of hostages. White House officials stress that negotiations continue behind the scenes and are optimistic that a deal will be reached.
John Kirby, spokesman for the US National Security Council, said in an interview with Channel 12 that despite Hamas’s public statements, the terrorist organisation remains involved in the negotiation process. Working groups are still negotiating and meetings in Doha are expected to continue in the coming days, he said. Although the process is hampered by differences in the parties’ positions, the involvement of all participants in the negotiations is seen as a positive sign.
Kirby stressed that negotiations require commitment and leadership from both sides, and the current stage of the discussions is particularly difficult. At the same time, US mediators, including Brett McGurk, continue to work in the region to find a solution.
In addition to the ceasefire talks, Kirby also pointed to the possibility of a possible Iranian attack on Israel. He said the United States believes Iran remains willing to act and that American forces will remain in the region to protect its allies if the need arises.
Previously, Kursor wrote that there are still serious differences in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The main obstacle in the discussion of the hostage deal is the issue of control of the Philadelphia Corridor, as Jerusalem is interested in maintaining its military presence in this area.
