2024-01-26 19:50:49
After almost four months of war in the Gaza Strip, the US government is hoping for a new agreement to release more hostages from the Islamist Hamas. National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby said in Washington today that they are hopeful about progress, but do not expect any immediate developments.
President Joe Biden spoke about the issue today with both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“Respect the Court’s role as mediator”
Referring to the International Court of Justice’s decision in The Hague that Israel must provide more protection for Palestinians in its military operation in the Gaza Strip, Kirby said: “Of course we respect the role of the Court as a mediator in the peaceful resolution of disputes.”
The court also found on Friday that there was a risk of genocide in the Gaza Strip, but did not oblige Israel to end its military operation against Hamas.
Regarding the accusation of genocide, Kirby emphasizes: “We have simply said over and over again that we believe this claim to be inaccurate. And the court did not find Israel guilty of genocide either.” He went on to say that US President Biden wanted the war in Gaza to end so that the people there could live in peace. They continue to push for a break in the fighting, but a general ceasefire is not “the best approach” at the moment.
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