WANA (August 15) – Despite the U.S.’s full support for Israel’s actions, the White House spokesperson claimed that Washington seeks a ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza.

 

During her Wednesday press conference, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre discussed the assessment of the ceasefire process in Gaza, stating that Washington desires a ceasefire and wants to see the war come to an end.

 

She further described Thursday’s talks in Doha as “very important,” mentioning that a group of U.S. and Israeli officials would be attending the negotiations and expressed hope that Hamas would also participate.

 

She explained, “Brett McGurk, the White House National Security Council’s Middle East and North Africa Coordinator, and CIA Director William Burns are in the region, making every effort to resume negotiations.”

 

Jean-Pierre added, “With the establishment of a ceasefire, it will be possible to return hostages to their homes and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians.”

 

According to Anadolu Agency, the U.S. official also linked the ceasefire in Gaza to Iran’s right to respond to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas’s political bureau in Tehran, claiming that “the U.S. believes that a ceasefire in Gaza would reduce the recently escalated tensions between Iran and Israel.”

 

Meanwhile, Iran has announced that it is pursuing both the issue of a ceasefire in Gaza and the punishment of the aggressor.

 

The White House official also reiterated the statements of American officials regarding the approval of a new $20 billion arms sale to Israel, claiming, “We want tensions in the Middle East to deescalate.”