David Satterfield: ‘It Is Hamas, Full Stop’ Who Are Preventing People from Leaving Gaza

PSAKI: “There were two American hostages freed. That’s obviously a big development. There are, of course, more being held, but there are also hundreds of Americans who are now being — who are now trying to get out through the Rafah crossing. Are you encouraged or should we be encouraged that that is coming soon, given that there has been aid flowing in? Or what is your expectation beyond the timeline there?”
SATTERFIELD: “Well, our expectation is that all foreign nationals, including the almost 1000 Americans, those with family, the staff who worked for us, for our mission in Gaza, will indeed be able to depart as rapidly as possible. Nothing is simple. The issue of movement through Rafah out of Gaza is as complicated as was the movement of humanitarian assistance in. But you’re quite right that the opening of the crossing for assistance to head to the people of Gaza was an essential, critical first step towards what we want to achieve, what the president wants to achieve, which is getting our people out to safety.”
PSAKI: “Last week, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said it was Hamas that was holding up people being able to depart. Is it primarily Hamas? Are the Egyptians holding it up? Who is preventing people from leaving?”
SATTERFIELD: “The answer is very simple. It is Hamas, full stop.”