New round Negotiations aimed at a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas militants are scheduled to be held in Cairo this weekend with the participation of US representatives. A White House spokesman announced this on Friday, April 5.
The American delegation will be headed by CIA Director William Burns, Reuters reported, citing a government source, reports Voice of America.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that President Joe Biden, in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, called on his interlocutor to give the Israeli delegation the necessary powers so that an agreement could be reached as quickly as possible.
The United States and its allies say a ceasefire is essential so more humanitarian aid can be delivered to the Gaza Strip amid fears of Palestinian starvation.
"Let's make an agreement so we can achieve a ceasefire within a few weeks to make it easier to meet commitments to increase humanitarian assistance", – Kirby said at a press briefing on Friday.
Kirby said the United States has no plans to conduct an independent investigation into the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in the Gaza Strip.
In response to a question reporter, whether Biden expressed any concerns to the Israeli prime minister about the expansion of the conflict, Kirby said: "The two leaders discussed the publicly voiced threat to Israel that Iran has made over the past 24 hours or so.". p>
"The President made it very clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that he can count on our support for [Israel's] self-defense– added Kirby. – We expect some announcements in the coming hours and days. What we are seeking is credible commitment to implement previously announced measures that will lead to lasting changes in the way they do business in Gaza – both operationally and humanitarianly.”
Responding to a question about the possibility of linking military aid to Israel with certain conditions, he said: "I'm not going to go into the details of the conversation two leaders. The President reiterated that we need to see meaningful progress and changes in Israeli policy and operational decision-making.”.
Joe Biden, answering a journalist's question on Friday about whether the US President warned the Israeli Prime Minister about suspension of military aid, said: "I asked them to do what they are doing.".
Prepared by: Sergei Daga