U.S. Accuses Extremists of Undermining Gaza Ceasefire Talks

White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, stated that the Biden administration will not allow extremists to derail Gaza ceasefire negotiations. He criticized Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for making false claims about the ceasefire deal. Kirby emphasized the U.S.'s commitment to facilitating an agreement despite ongoing obstacles.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby stated on Friday that the Biden administration will not allow extremists, including those in Israel, to derail Gaza ceasefire negotiations, accusing Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich of spreading false claims.

Kirby disputed Smotrich's assertions that a ceasefire agreement would amount to a surrender to Hamas, and that hostages shouldn't be exchanged for prisoners. He accused the minister of misleading the Israeli public. The U.S. and its allies have been striving for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal for months but have faced repeated obstacles from both sides.

According to U.S. officials, the latest proposal is the closest the parties have come to freeing women, and sick and elderly hostages held by Hamas since October 7 in exchange for a ceasefire lasting at least six weeks. Kirby expressed optimism but noted that achieving a deal requires leadership and compromise from all parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)