Hamas must release hostages for Gaza to receive more aid, says U.S. TheStripLV, November 18, 2023 [ad_1] One of the U.S.’s top Middle East envoys, Brett McGurk, has stated that Hamas must release more hostages in return for increased aid to Gaza and a pause in fighting. He made these comments at the IISS Manama Dialogue, a regional security conference in Bahrain. McGurk emphasized that a surge in humanitarian relief and fuel, as well as a pause in fighting, will only come once hostages are released. The U.S. has been actively involved in hostage negotiations, with President Joe Biden’s coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa highlighting the success of the U.S. approach in these negotiations. The recent conflict involving Hamas and Israel began when Hamas swarmed southern Israeli communities, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the taking of 240 hostages back to Gaza. In response, Israel has conducted massive airstrikes and a ground offensive on the enclave. Despite the efforts, only a few hostages have been released, leading to a tense situation between the two parties. The U.S. has been working to secure the release of the hostages, with President Biden speaking to Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, about the matter. Qatar, which hosts members of Hamas political leadership, has been crucial in the negotiations, along with other Arab countries such as Egypt. The hostage talks have been difficult, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for some of the breakdowns in negotiations. In the midst of this conflict, more aid has been sent into Gaza in recent weeks. This aid has included food and medicine via the Rafah crossing with Egypt, and fuel was also sent in for the first time since the conflict erupted. However, Israel had been hesitant to allow this aid, expressing concerns that Hamas would use it for military purposes. The pressure has increased on Israel to allow the aid, particularly as Gaza’s hospitals and water plants have been in desperate need of fuel for generators. McGurk stressed the importance of a large release of hostages, stating that it would result in a significant pause in fighting and a massive surge of humanitarian relief. The U.S. is hopeful that the release of hostages, which has already included two American citizens, will be followed by a much larger release. It is clear that the U.S. and other key players in the region are working towards a resolution to the conflict, with the focus on securing the release of all hostages and providing much-needed aid to Gaza. Overall, the situation in the Middle East, particularly between Hamas and Israel, remains complex and challenging. The involvement of the U.S. and other regional players, such as Qatar and Egypt, demonstrates the commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. The release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid are key priorities in addressing the immediate needs of the people in Gaza and achieving a potential pause in the ongoing conflict. The road ahead may be difficult, but there is a concerted effort to bring about a positive outcome to the situation. [ad_2] U.S. says Hamas must release hostages for Gaza to get more aid | Nation and World The LINQ Promenade Attractions Added on May 16, 2024 Hoover Dam Attractions Added on May 13, 2024 Wynn Las Vegas Attractions Added on May 13, 2024 Excalibur Hotel & Casino Attractions Added on May 13, 2024 Las Vegas, NV Attractions Added on May 9, 2024 Atomic Scooter Rentals and Tours Attractions Added on May 8, 2024 Grand Canyon Helicopters Attractions Added on May 7, 2024 Majestic Repertory Theater Attractions Added on May 7, 2024 Grand Canyon Helicopter Adventures Attractions Added on May 6, 2024 Latest Las Vegas News