After nearly four months of war in the Gaza Strip, the US government is hoping for a new agreement to free more hostages from the Islamist group 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 Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
“Respect the role of the Court as mediator”
Referring to the ruling by the International Court of Justice in The Hague that Israel must provide more protection to Palestinians in its military operation in the Gaza Strip, Kirby said: “Of course we respect the Court's role as a mediator in the peaceful resolution of disputes.” . .”
The court also concluded on Friday that there was a risk of genocide in the Gaza Strip, but did not force Israel to end its military operation against Hamas.
Regarding the accusation of genocide, Kirby emphasizes: “We have simply said repeatedly that we believe this claim is inaccurate. Nor did the court find Israel guilty of genocide.” 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 press for a pause in the fighting, but a general ceasefire is not “the best approach” at this time.