White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby emphasized on Thursday that the recent downfall of the Assad regime in Syria should serve as a clear message to Hamas about the urgency of progressing with a hostage release agreement.

Speaking to reporters during a briefing, Kirby addressed comments made earlier by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who, during his visit to Israel, suggested that a ceasefire deal could soon be finalized.

When asked how the current circumstances differ from previous negotiation attempts, Kirby explained, “I think if you’re Hamas right now, which is still fairly a rudderless organization, and you look at the world today, you know, the options aren’t good. Your military capabilities have been all but decimated. Your main leader is gone. The leader of your buddy, Hezbollah, he’s gone — Nasrallah is gone. Hezbollah is now in a ceasefire arrangement, which is still holding, with Israel. And Iran is not coming to the rescue. There is no cavalry for Hamas right now.”

Kirby elaborated further, noting, “So, this is the time, and I think that’s what Jake was alluding to. There has been an awful lot of pressure put on anybody who is supporting Hamas. And now, given where they are and how weakened they are, this is the moment to make this deal. And that’s why, I think, Jake believes that we’re getting close. I mean, this is a great opportunity right now to do it.”

In another part of the briefing, Kirby drew attention to the developments in Syria. He responded to a reporter’s question by highlighting the implications of Assad’s downfall.

“One thing I didn’t add was events in Syria, because now Assad is gone. And who was Assad’s main backer? Iran. Iran was not only unwilling but unable to come to Assad’s rescue. It’s just more proof — or should be more proof — to Hamas leaders that there is, as I said, no cavalry coming to the rescue,” Kirby stated.

He added, “So they’re at a moment of weakness and desperation. This is the time to make this deal and move forward on it. Now, whether they’ll do it or not, as Jake said, you know, we can’t be certain, but we believe there’s an opportunity here — a moment — and that’s why Jake’s in the region.”

Earlier on Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that progress may be occurring in negotiations between Hamas and Israel. The report noted that, for the first time, Hamas has expressed willingness to accept a deal that includes the continued presence of Israeli troops in Gaza, particularly in the Philadelphi Corridor near the southern border.

Additionally, Hamas has reportedly provided mediators with a complete list of the remaining hostages, a significant step as it had previously resisted doing so since the initial ceasefire broke down.

In earlier statements, Kirby underscored that Hamas remains the “main stumbling block” to achieving a ceasefire and securing a hostage release agreement. The United States has previously pushed a framework for such an agreement, originally outlined by President Joe Biden in May. However, Hamas has consistently rejected every proposal presented thus far.

More recently, Hamas released an official statement signaling its interest in ending the ongoing conflict that began after its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In the same statement, however, Hamas maintained its demand that any agreement must include a cessation of hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

{Matzav.com}