Speaking to reporters, the White House Homeland Security spokesperson said: John Kirbyannounced that Israel has informed the US that during these pauses, which will begin today, “there will be no military operations.”
Kirby admitted that “concerns” remain about the possibility of Hamas trying to prevent the departure of civilians.
Regardless, he called on civilians to try to leave “active” areas of the conflict, and also considered it “crucial” that humanitarian aid be extended to areas where civilians are moving.
The White House spokesperson recalled that the breaks in southern Gaza allowed the departure of thousands of people and the entry of thousands of people humanitarian help, but this aid must increase.
So he appreciated that 106 trucks entered through the southern Gaza Strip Rafah in Egyptbut hopes that this figure will increase as soon as possible.
“We need to see more and we need to see more quickly,” said Kirby, who believed that 150 truckloads of humanitarian aid should be coming in a day, and while there are days when that isn’t possible, that would at least should be a limit. objectively.
Kirby emphasized that Israel is fighting an enemy – the Hamas militias – that is “embedded in the civilian population and using hospitals and civilian infrastructure in an attempt to protect itself” and is putting the “innocent Palestinian people” in greater danger.
But he also emphasized that Israel has “a duty to fully comply with international law” and believed that these humanitarian pauses are “a step in the right direction as they seek to give civilians the opportunity” to reach safer areas.
Asked about whether these breaks are part of a broader agreement that would entail the release of hostages, Kirby said he would not “negotiate” publicly.
But he did emphasize that the US continues to work with its allies in the region to try to free the hostages, and believed that these pauses will be “helpful” for the “safe” exit of hostages, if necessary.
But in any case, they are already useful for other purposes, such as the departure of civilians, their transfer to safe areas and the arrival of aid supplies. That’s why he emphasized that the United States “is happy” that Israel is willing to take this step, which could serve “a multitude of objectives.”
Kirby highlighted U.S. President Joe Biden’s direct involvement, along with other administration officials such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, in ongoing contacts with Israel that have allowed these decisions.
Source: El heraldo
Karen Clayton is a seasoned journalist and author at The Nation Update, with a focus on world news and current events. She has a background in international relations, which gives her a deep understanding of the political, economic and social factors that shape the global landscape. She writes about a wide range of topics, including conflicts, political upheavals, and economic trends, as well as humanitarian crisis and human rights issues.
