US Authorities Outline Current Goals in Palestine-Israel Conflict

The United States aims to resume the ceasefire in Gaza and return to the exchange of hostages and prisoners. This was announced by John Kirby, the Strategic Communications Coordinator for the National Security Council at the White House, whose statements were quoted by the U.S. administration's press service.

“We are focused on restoring this ceasefire so that a new exchange of hostages can take place,” the official said.

Kirby described it as “more than possible” that the Palestinian militant movement Hamas continues to forcefully detain women and children who “can and should be exchanged.”

On November 22, Israel approved a deal with Hamas to release hostages in Gaza. A four-day ceasefire was announced, during which Hamas released dozens of women and children. Additionally, representatives of the International Red Cross were allowed to visit the remaining hostages to provide necessary medical assistance.

However, on December 1, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced the resumption of operations in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave.