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WH: "Intensive" Discussions In Qatar Underway On Hostage Deal

SECURITY

White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby has told reporters that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a series of meeting in Davos, Switzerland today, including with the Prime Minister of Qatar, about "urgent efforts" to secure the release of remaining hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

  • Kirby says White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk has been in Doha, Qatar this week "focused specifically" on the "hostage situation."
  • Kirby confirms that Israel has now shifted to a "low intensity phase" in north Gaza and will "soon do so in southern Gaza," seen as a key step in de-escalating tensions in the region.
  • On tensions in the Red Sea, Kirby says he believes that US airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen have had a "good effect," despite retaliatory attacks on shipping.
  • On the next steps in the Red Sea, Kirby says he "wont get ahead of military operations," but notes that further strikes today took out "four ballistic missiles" and confirms that the US "stands ready to defends its interests... as required."

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