The White Home mentioned on Sunday that it was uncertain what number of Individuals are presently trapped in Gaza, and what number of could also be hostages of Hamas.
Nationwide Safety Council spokesman John Kirby appeared on Fox Information Sunday, the place he mentioned whether or not or not the US would have interaction militarily with the battle enjoying out between Israel and Gaza and in regards to the welfare of Individuals who’re nonetheless trapped within the space.
On Saturday, Israel warned that anybody in Gaza’s northern metropolis ought to evacuate forward of a army advance. Greater than 1,000,000 people had been compelled from their properties consequently.
Individuals in Gaza, whether or not visiting or dual-citizens, had been informed by the US State Division that Washington had secured a deal permitting them to move by means of Gaza’s border with Egypt.
That deal by no means materialised, and Individuals had been left ready by the border, whereas others reportedly have been taken hostage by Hamas fighters.
On Sunday, Fox Information Sunday host Shannon Noelle Bream requested Mr Kirby if the US meant to deploy troops to assist the stranded or kidnapped Individuals.
“There isn’t any plans or intentions to place US troops on the bottom to battle on this battle between Israel and Hamas,” Mr Kirby mentioned. “We’re actively looking for out precisely the place [the Americans in Gaza] are.”
Mr Kirby mentioned: “We do not even know what number of [Americans are in Gaza] precisely.”
“We noticed a small handful we all know, however there might be greater than we all know, it might be totally different teams, they may get moved round,” he mentioned.
He then insinuated that the US was taking motion to find and return Individuals trapped in Gaza, however made clear that these operations couldn’t be mentioned publicly.
“I believe you may perceive — I hope all people can perceive — that we’ll watch out about what we are saying publicly about our efforts to get these hostages house,” he mentioned.
He mentioned that the return of the hostages is “excessive” on the Biden administration’s precedence listing.
“Nothing’s extra essential to [Joe Biden] than the protection and safety of Individuals which might be held hostage abroad, and we’re not gonna cease till we get them again with their households,” he mentioned.
When pressed on whether or not or not he would absolutely rule out army intervention within the battle, Mr Kirby mentioned that he could not rule something in or out till the administration has had time to gather and analyse extra details about the circumstances in Gaza.
