Pentagon spokesman John Kirby speaks during a media briefing at the Pentagon, Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The United States, as stated by the White House on Wednesday, does not envision the pro-Iranian Palestinian militant group, Hamas, as having a role in the future governance of the Gaza Strip once the conflict with Israel concludes.
John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, made this assertion while addressing reporters during President Joe Biden’s trip to Minnesota. Additionally, Kirby emphasized that the United States does not advocate for a permanent settlement that relocates Gaza’s civilian population outside of the region, which has been under the control of Hamas.
In light of the increasing civilian casualties in Gaza due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Kirby stated that the United States does not believe the present moment is conducive to a comprehensive ceasefire. Instead, he emphasized the need for humanitarian pauses in the hostilities.
As discussions continue among the United States, its allies, and partners regarding post-war Gaza, Kirby underscored the challenges associated with Hamas assuming a governing role, especially in light of the group’s involvement in the events that led to the loss of 1,400 lives in southern Israel on October 7th.
“We do believe that Hamas cannot be the future of governance in Gaza. They can’t,” said Kirby. “Regarding what should come after the conflict, we do not possess all the answers at this time, but we are collaborating with regional partners to explore the potential forms of governance that Gaza should adopt.”
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