Reporter attempts to deflect blame from Hamas, but Kirby remains unswayed.
ABC News Correspondent Challenges John Kirby on Gaza Evacuation Efforts
During a press conference, ABC News Senior White House correspondent Selina Wang questioned John Kirby about the challenges faced by the United States in evacuating Americans and other civilians from Gaza. Wang asked Kirby to elaborate on the factors “beyond Hamas” that were complicating the evacuation efforts. However, Kirby firmly asserted that Hamas was the sole obstacle.
Wang pressed further, asking why Americans and foreign nationals were still unable to leave Gaza despite aid trucks entering the area. She emphasized the need for more information on the situation and progress made.
Watch the exchange below:
ABC’s @SelinaWangTV: “Why have Americans and foreign nationals still been unable to get out of Gaza, even though aid trucks have been going in? Beyond putting the blame on Hamas, what more can you say what’s going on there & what the progress is?”
John Kirby: “How about if I… pic.twitter.com/O6bXJrZu91
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 31, 2023
Kirby immediately countered Wang’s question, emphasizing that Hamas was the primary obstacle that needed to be addressed. He pointed out that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had also highlighted this during a Senate hearing earlier that day.
“How about if I just put the blame on Hamas?” Kirby responded. “Secretary Blinken talked about this in his hearing this morning. They are putting obstacles up to allow us to get folks out. It’s not Israel, it’s not Egypt, it’s not places like Jordan. Hamas has been making it difficult to do this.”
Blinken, during a Tuesday morning hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, addressed the issue of Americans and other civilians trapped in Gaza. He revealed that approximately 400 Americans and their families, along with 5,000 civilians from other countries, were waiting for a safe route out. However, Hamas terrorists had refused to open the gates and allow them passage.
“We’re working with various parties to try to facilitate their departure from Gaza. The impediment is simple: it’s Hamas,” Blinken stated. “We’ve not yet found a way to get them out through whatever place and by whatever means that Hamas is not blocking, but we’re working on that with intermediaries.”
“We’re working on it with Egypt. We’re working on it with Israel. We’re looking for ways to get people out,” Blinken added. “But because Hamas controls what goes on for the most part inside of Gaza, unless it agrees, then it’s going to be very difficult to get that done.”
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What specific challenges and obstacles are being faced in the evacuation efforts of Americans and other civilians from Gaza?
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John Kirby: “As I’ve said before, Hamas is the primary obstacle to the safe evacuation of Americans and other civilians from Gaza. They have been firing rockets at Israel, a clear violation of international law, and this has led to the escalation of violence in the region. Our priority is the safety and security of American citizens, and we are working tirelessly to facilitate their departure from Gaza.”
Wang persisted, asking for more details about the specific challenges and impediments faced by the evacuation efforts. She emphasized the importance of transparency and ensuring that the American public is informed about the situation and the progress being made.
Kirby responded by stating that the situation on the ground is incredibly complex and dynamic, and that the safety of the individuals involved is of utmost importance. He acknowledged that communication and coordination with local authorities and international partners are crucial in navigating the challenges faced in evacuating Americans and foreign nationals from Gaza.
The back-and-forth exchange between Wang and Kirby highlights the ongoing issues and difficulties faced in evacuating individuals from a conflict zone like Gaza. While Hamas is widely recognized as a major hindrance to these efforts, there may be additional factors and complexities at play that contribute to the delay and difficulties in evacuating Americans and foreign nationals.
It is crucial for the public and the media to continue asking questions and seeking clarity regarding the evacuation efforts in Gaza. Open dialogue and transparency are essential in ensuring the safe and timely evacuation of individuals caught in the midst of a conflict.
As the violence in Gaza continues, it is imperative that all parties involved prioritize the protection and safety of civilians. Efforts should be made to de-escalate the situation and find peaceful resolutions to the conflict.
In conclusion, the exchange between Selina Wang and John Kirby sheds light on the challenges faced in evacuating Americans and other civilians from Gaza. While Hamas is regarded as the main obstacle, there may be additional factors that contribute to the difficulties and delays. Transparency, communication, and coordination remain essential in ensuring safe and timely evacuations from conflict zones.
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