White House spokesperson declared that the future of Gaza does not include the involvement of Hamas, emphasizing the absence of a set timeline for announcing a new prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and Israel.
John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, stated that Brett McGurk, President Joe Biden’s Middle East advisor, is currently visiting the region to discuss the cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
The primary objective of these discussions is to facilitate the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
Kirby added that McGurk was in Cairo on Tuesday and is scheduled for further visits in the region.
“One of the issues being discussed is the possibility of reaching a new agreement for the release of hostages, which would require a specific duration of humanitarian truce,” he said.
In response to the possibility of creating an Israeli buffer zone, Kirby responded, “We do not want to reduce the size of Gaza in any way.”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the US opposes any permanent changes to the geographic status of the Gaza Strip.
However, he indicated a willingness to consider transitional arrangements to address the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Blinken’s remarks came during a press briefing in Abuja, Nigeria. He emphasized that if there’s a need for transitional arrangements to facilitate a resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it can be explored.
Nonetheless, regarding Gaza’s permanent status, the U.S. maintains its position of rejecting any alterations to its territory.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously expressed disagreement with US President Joe Biden’s statements regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state following the Gaza conflict.
