John Kirby "Hope for Early Conclusion of Negotiations"
The United States stated that Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas need to narrow the remaining differences in their negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release.
John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House National Security Council (NSC), said at a briefing on the 7th (local time) that negotiations between the two sides have resumed in Cairo, Egypt.
Coordinator Kirby said, "A close evaluation of both sides' positions reveals that the remaining gaps need to be narrowed," adding, "We will do everything we can to support that process." He also mentioned that amendments have been proposed regarding the negotiations.
While Kirby expressed hope that the negotiations would be concluded "very early," he maintained a cautious stance, saying that expecting a result could be "reckless."
He also explained that regarding the Israeli military's seizure of the Palestinian border checkpoint in Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza Strip, on the 7th, he was told that it was aimed at blocking Hamas's capability to smuggle weapons and funds into Gaza from Israel. Israel stated that during the seizure of the Rafah border checkpoint that morning, 20 armed militants were killed and three underground tunnels were discovered.
Coordinator Kirby emphasized, "The United States is working to ensure that humanitarian aid flows into Gaza without obstruction."
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