White House: Israel and Hamas have no intention of discussing hostage release

Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas do not want to return to the negotiating table and discuss the release of hostages. This was stated by John Kirby, coordinator of strategic communications for the White House National Security Council.

In an interview with ABC television, Kirby emphasised that neither side is currently interested in resuming talks on the subject.

“I think it’s important to remember how this fell apart: Hamas did not want to provide an additional list of children and women that we know they’re holding,” Kirby said, adding that the US has not stopped trying to get an agreement on humanitarian pauses again.

Earlier, Hamas said eight Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers were killed when they were blown up by mines in the southern Gaza Strip.