US involved in Hamas release of two American hostages, says government spokesperson

The United States was “very involved” in securing the release of two Americans held hostage for 14 days by the radical Islamic group Hamas, this Friday (20), said National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

“We were very involved at various levels to help secure his release,” the White House official told CNN on Friday (21), offering credit to Israel and Qatar, which played “key roles”, he said.

Kirby declined to discuss the motivations and details behind Hamas’ willingness to release Judith Tai Raanan and Natalie Raanan. “We know there are still some Americans being held hostage and we want to return them to their families too,” she said.

“So I hope you understand that we can’t really talk too much about motivations and the details here. We are happy that they are safe and sound and hope to return home soon.”

He said the United States is not “interfering” in Israel’s military operations, but reiterated that the hostage issue was central to President Joe Biden when he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and had the opportunity to meet some families.

Regarding the humanitarian corridor at the Rafah crossing, Kirby said it will be opened “very, very soon”.

Biden is confident that humanitarian assistance will reach Gaza “in the next few hours, if not a few days,” Kirby added.

The road leading to the intersection suffered damage, preventing trucks from being able to “cross that road safely and efficiently,” he said, adding: “The Egyptians are working on repairs to that road.”

Kirby also defended the administration’s efforts to protect innocent people in Gaza, saying collateral damage has been a key concern of the Biden administration.

“We will do everything we can to not only open the passage, but also to implement a sustainable method for this to continue”, he concluded.