John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, announced on Sunday that negotiations are currently underway to secure the release of Israeli hostages who are being held captive in Gaza.
Kirby assured Margaret Brennan on CBS that diplomacy is not being disregarded.
Hamas has reportedly turned down a proposal put forth by the Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, for the release of the hostages.
According to Kirby, CIA Director William Burns has negotiated “a new deal on the table.”
“It’s a fantastic opportunity. By accepting this deal, we would be able to evacuate dozens of individuals who are most vulnerable – women, elderly, and the wounded. Additionally, we would achieve a much-needed six-week cease-fire, bringing about a period of relative calm. This would also create an opening for us to provide more humanitarian assistance,” Kirby explained. He emphasized the importance of Hamas leaders considering this offer seriously.
The United States is currently collaborating with Egypt and Qatar in an effort to facilitate a negotiation between Israel and Hamas. The proposed agreement would entail a six-week period of cease-fire, during which 40 hostages held by militants would be released, along with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
President Joe Biden successfully exerted pressure on Hamas last week to accept his administration’s latest proposal for a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
During a news conference in the Rose Garden before a state dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden stated that it is now Hamas’ responsibility to act on the proposal that has been presented.
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