Kirby says Biden, Netanyahu agreed to extended truce in Gaza
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John Kirby tells MSNBC that US President Joe Biden spent the weekend involved in discussions with foreign leaders and Benjamin Netanyahu to extend a truce deal.
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National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby speaks during a press briefing at the White House, Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, in Washington. (AP)
US National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby has suggested that "Israel" and the United States have discussed an extended truce, announcing that more prisoners are expected to be returned.
Kirby announced on Monday that President Joe Biden agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to extend the truce period in order to free more Israeli captives.
While speaking to MSNBC, Kirby expressed that Washington “is looking forward to seeing more hostages released today."
What the US really hoped for, Kirby continued, was the extension of the deal and a "longer pause in the fighting."
Read more: Palestinians celebrate their liberated children albeit restrictions
Kirby told MSNBC that Hamas would have to find additional captives and "get them ready for release."
When questioned about Netanyahu's video released yesterday suggesting a full-out war would continue after the truce was over, Kirby defended "Israel" by saying they could go back to full combat while "minimizing civilian casualties."
Naturally, Kirby lied through his teeth by suggesting that the US will continue to "support 'Israel' and provide it with the tools and capabilities it needs," while it works with "Israel" to minimize civilian casualties and be as "targeted and precise" as they can while seeking out Hamas leadership.
The spokesperson alleged that the US directly told Israelis they did not support their move to the South before they properly factored "how they would protect the civilian population," particularly the large majority they urged to move.
A recent report to Reuters revealed that Egyptian, Qatari, and US negotiators were on the verge of reaching an agreement to prolong the Gaza truce, which was initially scheduled to end on Tuesday morning.
However, the ongoing discussions involve determining the duration of the extension and identifying which prisoners to be released, as stated by three Egyptian security sources.
In a statement, Hamas underscored that "the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas seeks to extend the truce after the 4-day period ends, through serious efforts to increase the number of those released from imprisonment as stipulated in the humanitarian ceasefire agreement" while "Israel" argues for a day-by-day extension and holds negotiations to decide which prisoners to release.
Several officials showed opposition to a temporary truce, saying it is insufficient and will not allow much to be done.
The head of UNICEF Catherine Russell on Wednesday said the besieged Gaza Strip has become "the most dangerous place in the world to be a child," adding that the hard-won truce deal between "Israel" and the Resistance was insufficient to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
