Kirby Confident Americans Held in Gaza Will Be Released Sunday Despite Reported Deal Delays “`

January 17, 2025 by No Comments

White House national security spokesman John Kirby expressed confidence Thursday that a plan to release Americans held in Gaza will be implemented Sunday, despite reported delays. He confirmed to ABC News that a deal exists, but acknowledged logistical details still require resolution. Kirby emphasized ongoing collaborative efforts with Israeli authorities to finalize these details, reiterating confidence in the Sunday implementation date.

Uncertainty arose following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that Hamas was attempting to derail the agreement through last-minute maneuvers. Netanyahu’s statement, shared via TPS-IL, accused Hamas of violating previously agreed-upon understandings. Hamas has denied these accusations. Netanyahu postponed a scheduled cabinet vote pending Hamas’s confirmation of all agreement details.

Kirby, however, firmly asserted to MSNBC and NBC that the deal was not collapsing and that any remaining obstacles would be overcome. The initial phase of the agreement, a 42-day period, is expected to see the release of approximately 33 hostages, prioritizing American citizens. Three hostages, potentially including three Israeli female soldiers, may be freed on the first day. A senior administration official previously confirmed to reporters that two American citizens, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen, are slated for release on day one, along with Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli citizen, although soldiers are not expected to be released until the second phase, beginning day 43.

Negotiations regarding the release of remaining hostages, both alive and deceased, will commence on day 16 of phase one. At least 98 hostages remain in Gaza, with 62 believed to be alive and 36 deceased. A senior administration official reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to securing the release of all American and American-Israeli citizens, regardless of their status.