WASHINGTON: Negotiations are ongoing for the release of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, according to U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. Speaking on CBS with Margaret Brennan, Kirby emphasized that diplomatic efforts remain active and that diplomacy is not considered dead in this process.
The hostage situation stems from an attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, described as the deadliest assault against Jewish people resulting in over 1,200 people were killed, and more than 200 were taken hostage and forcibly detained in Gaza.
While approximately 100 hostages were released in November, efforts to secure the freedom of the remaining hostages have encountered obstacles.
According to recent reports, Israel’s intelligence agency, the Mossad, has confirmed that Hamas has rejected a proposal for the release of the remaining hostages. Despite this setback, John Kirby highlighted that a new proposal is now on the table, negotiated by CIA Director William Burns.
Kirby detailed the terms of this new proposal, describing it as a “good deal” that aims to prioritize the release of the most vulnerable hostages, including women, elderly individuals, and the wounded. The proposal also includes a six-week cease-fire to promote calm in the region and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, is actively involved in brokering this deal between Israel and Hamas. The proposed agreement would involve a six-week cease-fire in exchange for the release of 40 hostages held by militants and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
President Joe Biden has personally urged Hamas to accept this latest cease-fire and hostage release proposal, emphasizing that the decision now rests with Hamas leadership. Biden’s remarks were made during a news conference in the Rose Garden preceding a state dinner with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue, with the hope that an agreement can be reached to secure the release of hostages and promote stability in the region.
