U.S National Security Council Spokesman, John Kirby has stated that whatever the future of a post-Gaza war looks like, it cannot include the leaders of Hamas.

Speaking in a press briefing at the White House, Kirby also said that the U.S is involved in “active conversations” on the release of more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

U.S Middle East Envoy, Brett McGurk is in Cairo today for these “active” discussions on ensuring the release of hostages – and securing a humanitarian pause in the conflict.

He said that McGurk was also discussing other issues, including getting an assessment of Israel’s military operations and its efforts to protect civilians, as well as continuing to explore the idea of a normalisation of Israel-Saudi ties.

Kirby said that the Biden administration would “absolutely” support a longer humanitarian pause, such as a 30, 60 or 90-day period, following brief breaks in the war last year.

When Kirby was asked by the press whether the U.S would support a halt in the war lasting for that range of possible time periods and he said “sure, absolutely,” particularly “if that would give us the opportunity to get hostages out and more aid in.”

Meanwhile, the U.S maintains its opposition to a general ceasefire in the conflict, against growing calls by nations and rights groups to end the war.

He also said that he could not confirm any reports about ceasefire discussions or developments right now.

Kirby refused to comment on a report from a US news outlet which said that Israel offered Hamas a two-month pause in fighting in exchange for freeing the Israeli captives.

“I don’t want to get ahead of where we are or give you odds on if and when we’ll be able to get there. But the conversations are very sober and serious about trying to get another hostage deal in place,” he told reporters.