Time is running out, as President Joe Biden and U.S. officials warn Iran could attack Israel soon.
“We’ll see what Iran does and we’ll see what happens if there’s any attack,” Biden said.
They say it’s critical to reach a ceasefire deal with Hamas.
“It is time for the remaining hostages to be returned home. And that includes, of course, American citizens. It also has the potential to bring about much needed relief to the people of Gaza,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said.
The State Department says talks will resume Thursday, with the United States, Qatar, and Egypt acting as mediators to reach a deal between Israel and Hamas.
“So that hostages can be released, that we can use so we can see, an increase in humanitarian aid and, more broadly, create conditions for diplomacy to get the region out of this endless cycle of violence,” Patel said.
Iran rejected a request from European leaders to refrain from any form of retaliation, after the killing of Hamas’ political leader.
“The central conflict in the Middle East is not the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. It’s the conflict between Israel and Iran,” Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) said.
Torres worries the new Hamas leader will be less cooperative toward a ceasefire deal.
“Prospects for a ceasefire strike me as deeply pessimistic,” Torres said.
The Pentagon says the U.S. is doing everything possible to protect Israel and prevent any escalation.
“But our focus is on de-escalating tensions, working on enabling that ceasefire and getting these hostages returned home,” Department of Defense Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said.
Israel confirmed it will attend these negotiations on Thursday. Hamas’ participation is still in question.
