WASHINGTON: The United States will continue to press for extending a ceasefire in war hit Gaza Strip, the White House on Friday said, as intense fighting once again erupted in the Israel-Hamas war.
White House National Security Council spokesperson said the US will continue to work with Israel, Egypt, and Qatar to extend the humanitarian pause in Gaza.
Under the week-long truce Hamas released 80 Israeli captives in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. During the period more humanitarian aid was also delivered into war-hit Gaza.
The NSC spokesperson said that the truce could not be extended as Hamas has failed to give the list of captives.
He said that President Joe Biden and his national security team will continue to remain engaged on the issue.
Blinken calls for extension in truce
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Thursday also called for an extension in the truce while meeting Israeli and Palestinian officials during a visit to the area.
Meanwhile, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has expressed his deep regrets on the resumption of war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip hoping that a truce could be re-established.
Gaza has witnessed some of the most intense Israeli bombardment, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian people. After more than 50 days of continuous Israeli bombardment, nearly 15,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 30,000 wounded.
The Israeli air and ground strikes have also caused extensive damage to buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches.
The dire situation in Gaza is compounded by an Israeli blockade, severing the region from essential supplies such as fuel, electricity, and water. Aid deliveries to Gaza have also reached to a minimum.
