2024-08-17 13:19:24
The spokesman for the National Security Council at the White House, John Kirby, reported a “promising start” to the negotiations that have just begun in Doha for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, reported AFP.
Kirby expects talks to continue tomorrow. “We are at a point where the framework of the agreement is generally accepted, and the gaps that need to be filled are related to its implementation,” he added.
“There is still a lot of work to be done,” Kirby said, adding: “Given the complexity of the agreement, we do not anticipate ending today’s discussions with a solution.”
“The remaining obstacles can be overcome and we must reach a solution,” he was quoted as saying by BTA.
“The hostages must be released, there must be a pause (in the fighting) for the sake of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, security for Israel and de-escalation in the region, all of which must happen an hour sooner,” Kirby noted. The spokesman confirmed that CIA Director William Burns was involved in the Doha talks.