NSC Kirby-Details Of Ceasefire Proposal Being Discussed, Not Framework

White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby confirms that talks on a ceasefire deal in Gaza are underway in Doha without the direct participation of Hamas. Kirby says that the administration does not expect to come out of today with a deal, and that the talks involving Israel, Egypt, Qatar and the US are set to continue tomorrow. Kirby: "Both sides reviewed the proposed agreement on Gaza and submitted changes to it, and the details of its implementation are being discussed, not the framework."

• On Hamas' non-direct participation Kirby says, "In the past, it has worked very similar to how it's working in Doha today, where mediators will sit and discuss, work things out, and then those mediators will be in touch with Hamas and then the Hamas leaders in Doha, then communicate directly with [Hamas political leader Yahya Sinwar] for final answers."
• In response to NYT article claiming US officials see IDF as having achieved its objectives in Gaza, Kirby says, “I will not go so far to say they have eliminated the military threat Hamas poses… but there has been a tremendous amount of pressure put, and from a military perspective, they have achieved many of their objectives.”
• Kirby seeks to downplay prospect of Israel-Hezbollah war saying “In terms of Hezbollah, we still have not signs that Hezbollah wants to jump in with both feet here and start a new war on a second front at this time.” However, says an Iranian attack on Israel could come with "little warning" and "in the coming days".