John Kirby, NSC Coordinator: “Only Hamas benefits”
“I only support temporary and local suspensions targeting specific populations.”
Humanitarian aid expanded… “Goal of 100 trucks”
The U.S. White House reaffirmed its stance against calls for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas.
Regarding the adoption of the UN resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, John Kirby, strategic communications coordinator for the White House National Security Council (NSC), said at the White House regular briefing on the 30th (local time), “I don’t think a ceasefire is the answer right now. “I think an immediate ceasefire would be a loss,” he said.
The United Nations adopted a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire at the General Assembly on the 27th with 120 votes in favor, 14 against, and 45 abstentions. The United States voted against the bill, citing the omission of condemnation of Hamas attacks.
Coordinator Kirby emphasized, “In a situation where Israel is carrying out an operation targeting the Hamas leadership, only Hamas benefits from an immediate ceasefire.”
U.S. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a CBS current affairs talk show on the 29th, “I think there should be a humanitarian ceasefire that allows hostages to be removed and possibly aid to be sent in,” but Kirby said this does not mean stopping Israel’s attacks. explained.
“What we say we need to consider and look at are temporary, localized humanitarian disruptions to ensure that aid gets to certain populations and to help evacuate people who are trying to move south,” Kirby said. “That’s what we support.” “I do not support a ceasefire at this point,” he said.
Israel, a party party, is also maintaining a hard-line stance, saying there is no ceasefire.
While declaring the so-called ‘second phase of war’ and launching a large-scale military operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference that day, “The demand for a ceasefire is a demand that Israel surrender to Hamas, surrender to terrorism, and surrender to barbarism.” “That won’t happen,” he emphasized.
However, the U.S. government plans to expand humanitarian support separately from Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip.
U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at a State Department briefing that day, “The previous day, 45 trucks carrying food, water and other humanitarian aid crossed the Rafah border and entered the Gaza Strip,” adding, “This is the largest single-day transport record and the total number of trucks transported into the Gaza Strip.” “It’s 150 units,” he explained.
“The first thing we talked to the Israelis about was trying to increase the number to 100 per day,” Kirby said. “But that is the primary goal. “We know that even a rapid increase from the current level will not be enough,” he explained.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.