White House National Security Council Communications Advisor John Kirby said Sunday that Israel has informed its American counterparts that it will not launch an invasion of Rafah, so that President Joe Biden’s administration can share its concerns.
Kirby added that the United States needed a “better understanding” of how Israel might want to handle a potential invasion.
“I think we have to get a better understanding from the Israelis about what they actually want to do,” Kirby explained to ABC. “We’ve had many conversations with them, and we intend to do that further. They have assured us that they will not go to Rafah until it is available.” We have the opportunity to share our views and concerns with them.” “So, we’ll see where it goes,” he said.
Kirby said the United States is still working on a potential hostage deal and a ceasefire in Gaza, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken heads to the region for discussions this week.
“If we can get that hostage deal done, and we’re still working on that, Hamas hasn’t completely rejected it, they’re considering that proposal,” Kirby continued. “If we can get that done, that provides six weeks of peace. With no fighting for six weeks, This includes Rafah and what we hope is that after six weeks of temporary ceasefire, maybe we can get something more permanent… We want to see an end to the conflict as soon as possible.”
Kirby also added that the United States is working closely with the Israelis as it works to establish a dock to help bring critical humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“It will probably take two to three weeks before we can actually see the process. I mean, implementing this is a fairly complex procedure, and we are working closely with the Israelis on the way the pier works,” he noted. “It will certainly help increase the amount of aid reaching Gaza, but quite frankly, nothing can replace the land roads and trucks that come in.”
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