The White House continues to work on a deal with Hamas to release a number of hostages being held throughout the Gaza Strip.
Over the weekend a number of pre-mature reports were published after an initial story in the Washington Post said a deal had been struck. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson pushed back by saying a deal was close, but not done.
We have not reached a deal yet, but we continue to work hard to get to a deal. https://t.co/rbSqcqfaKo
— Adrienne Watson (@NSC_Spox) November 19, 2023
During Monday's daily briefing with reporters at the White House, NSC spokesman John Kirby gave little detail about ongoing negotiations but indicated talks have been productive.
"I don't want to negotiate in public but I believe we're getting closer," Kirby said. "We don't want to do or say something publicly that can jeopardize the result."
KIRBY: No update on hostage deal negotiations with Hamas
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) November 20, 2023
"There's still work to be done. And nothing is done until it's all done." pic.twitter.com/eEzyjRVJqK
At least 240 hostages are still being held by Hamas and other groups inside the Gaza Strip. Dozens of them are children.
As the world celebrates #WorldChildrensDay , 40 children are being held hostage by terrorists in Gaza.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 20, 2023
Children who had to watch their families murdered before their eyes.
Children who had their innocence ripped away from them.
Children who are still held hostage by savage… pic.twitter.com/H2ARmGy4Th
Today, we're sharing the stories of the innocent children who are being held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza.
— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) November 20, 2023
Kfir (10 months) and Ariel (4) Bibas, their mother Shiri and father Yarden were kidnapped on October 7 and are being held hostage in Gaza.
BRING THE BIBAS FAMILY… pic.twitter.com/GgLcAuPox0