Israel White House: No hostage negotiations yet since Sinwar's death

Since the killing of Hamas leader Jihia al-Sinwar last week, there have been no new talks about the hostages held in the Gaza Strip, according to the White House. There have been initial talks with Israeli partners about what the next steps should be, said National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby. At the same time, he made it clear: "I can't sit here today and tell you that negotiations will resume in Doha or Cairo or anywhere else."

In the talks with the Israeli interlocutors, a strong desire was expressed to seek a diplomatic way to bring the hostages back home, Kirby said.

After Sinwar's killing, it was said in the USA and elsewhere that the new situation could provide an opportunity to reach an agreement on the release of the Israeli hostages.