White House: Israel's Request for Gaza Civilian Relocation is 'Difficult'

John Kirby, the White House National Security spokesperson, said on Friday that while the United States does not question Israel's decision, the request for over a million civilians in northern Gaza to relocate within 24 hours would be 'difficult.' Kirby stated in an interview with MSNBC, 'This number is more than can be relocated in a very short time.' He added, 'We know what Israel's goal is and why they are pursuing it. The real goal is to separate the civilian population from Hamas.' Kirby mentioned that U.S. officials are working with Israel and Egypt to create a safe passage for civilians living in Gaza. With a population of 2.3 million, Gaza is one of the most densely populated places on Earth. In another interview with CNN, he said, 'Obviously, we do not want to see civilians harmed. We support safe passage out of Gaza, and certainly that includes the ability for people to move safely within the Gaza Strip.' The White House National Security spokesperson emphasized that Palestinians themselves are victims and 'did not invite Hamas to come to Gaza and did not say go hit Israel.' Kirby stated he could not confirm Hamas's claim that 13 hostages were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza in the past 24 hours. Washington reports that at least 25 Americans have been killed in Hamas attacks, and more are believed to have been taken hostage by Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Steve Gillen, the Deputy Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, traveled with him to Israel and will remain there in efforts to secure their release. Austin: 'Now is not the time for neutrality'; Gallant: 'This is a war for freedom and shared values.' The United Nations: 'Over 400,000 people have left their homes in Gaza.' Blinken met in Amman with the King of Jordan. The Israeli army: '220 Palestinians wanted in the West Bank have been arrested.' The U.S. Secretary of Defense met with Netanyahu: 'Hamas's actions are worse than what I have seen from ISIS.' The U.S. Secretary of State met with the President of the Palestinian Authority.