WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Another deal for a temporary ceasefire is imminent in Israel’s war against Hamas, according to White House officials Tuesday.
National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby said the aim is to get more humanitarian aid in and the remaining hostages held by Hamas out of the region.
“In general, things seem to be moving in the right direction, but nothing is done until it’s all done,” Kirby said.
When asked if the U.S. believes that all of the remaining American hostages are still alive, Kirby said, “We don’t have any information to the contrary.”
U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, (R-N.Y.), said one of those hostages is a 22-year-old from his district.
“It is time to bring Omer home,” Molinaro said on the House floor Tuesday. “It is time to bring them all home.”
“It’s a top priority for the United States,” President Joe Biden said Monday.
However, the president worries Israel may first launch a full-scale attack on the last major Hamas holdout where more than a million refugees are sheltering.
“They need to be protected,” Biden said.
“They have a special added burden to make sure they can provide for their safety and security and sustenance,” Kirby said.
Kirby said the U.S. is constantly consulting with Israeli military officials, but the ultimate decision is up to them.
“It’s not like we give them a homework assignment, and they have to then turn in their plan to us for grading,” Kirby said.
Still, President Biden stresses whatever Israel’s plan is, it has to stop killing innocent people.
“Including thousands of children,” Biden said.
The White House said Vice President Kamala Harris will continue this pressure on the global stage this week at the Munich Security Conference.
