US: "Preventive Strike Did Not Affect Negotiations"

Amid ongoing negotiations regarding a hostage deal, the White House reported this evening that teams are currently meeting in Cairo to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza. During a briefing, John Kirby said, "The U.S. expects that the working-level discussions will continue for at least the coming days. We do not want to see a full-scale war and are doing everything possible to prevent it."

Kirby also mentioned that President Biden’s Middle East advisor participated in today's talks, which are expected to continue for several more days. The discussions are centered on the identities of the militants and hostages to be released and the timeline for this process.

Additionally, Kirby addressed Israel's preventive strike in Lebanon yesterday morning, asserting that the action had no impact on the ongoing negotiations. He indicated that progress is being made and the talks are constructive. Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office stated to Serugim that Netanyahu insists on the principle that Israel will remain physically present along the Philadelphi Route, from Kerem Shalom to the sea.