The Palestinian militant group doesn’t search to carry US residents longer than different hostages, a senior official has mentioned
Hamas shouldn’t be utilizing kidnapped Individuals for “leverage” in hostage negotiations with Israel, a prime White Home spokesman has mentioned, noting there is no such thing as a signal the Palestinian militant faction intends to “play some form of sport” with its US captives.
Requested in regards to the standing of Hamas’ American prisoners at a press briefing on Tuesday, Nationwide Safety Council spokesman John Kirby mentioned the variety of US nationals presently held in Gaza is “fairly small,” including that hostage talks have to date centered on ladies and youngsters.
“There’s no indication in any respect that Hamas is attempting to make use of leverage or one thing to maintain Individuals from getting out,” Kirby mentioned. “So, there’s no indication that Hamas is attempting to play some form of sport right here by way of the Individuals.”
The spokesman went on to state that Hamas might not have “prepared entry to everyone in a second’s discover,” including that it is unlikely all US nationals are being held in the identical location in Gaza.
Israel launched weeks of heavy airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave and escalated a floor incursion in response to Hamas’ lethal October 7 terrorist assault, which killed round 1,200 Israelis, largely civilians. Gaza’s Well being Ministry has positioned the variety of Palestinians killed in Israeli operations at over 15,000.
Nevertheless, the preventing has seen a number of temporary pauses over the past week due to hostage negotiations between the combatants, with Hamas agreeing to alternate Israeli and international residents for Palestinians prisoners held in Israel.
Israeli officers have vowed to halt navy operations in Gaza to permit the commerce to happen, in addition to for assist to enter the besieged enclave.
The newest swap passed off on Tuesday night, when Hamas launched ten further Israeli captives in alternate for 30 Palestinian prisoners. The halt within the preventing has been prolonged to Wednesday, elevating the prospect for additional negotiations. Thus far, Hamas has freed a complete of 81 hostages, whereas Israel has launched 180 Palestinians in its custody.
The unique deal to droop hostilities was struck because the UN and human rights teams have more and more accused Israel of indiscriminate strikes on Gaza. Josep Borrell, the EU’s prime diplomat, mentioned on Monday that the pause within the preventing “must be prolonged to make it sustainable and long-lasting whereas working for a political answer.” Nevertheless, Israel and its prime ally, the US, insist {that a} longer ceasefire would solely assist Hamas, as an alternative favoring shorter ‘pauses’.
You possibly can share this story on social media:
Supply hyperlink
