Washington, 23 August 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Washington is cautiously optimistic about the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip, according to John Kirby, communications director of the US National Security Council on Friday.

Kirby said "constructive" talks took place in Cairo on Thursday and would continue over the weekend. He dismissed reports suggesting the negotiations were "near collapse."

He did not provide details but emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in the coming days. "We want to see that same sort of momentum, continue here over the next couple of days, but I don't think it would be useful for me to get into the details of it," he said.

CIA chief William Burns and the White House's Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk are also taking part in the talks.

Kirby reiterated Washington's support for Israel regarding potential threats from Iran, stating the focus is on defence and securing an agreement.

Washington is "continuing to monitor a potential Iran attack every single day," he said, adding, "we haven't seen an attack yet, obviously, but we're not taking anything for granted."

He highlighted the importance of the talks in Cairo.

There are fears that a failure in mediation between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip could lead to a larger escalation in the Middle East.

It is hoped that a breakthrough could prevent a significant retaliatory strike by Iran against Israel after the recent killing of a Hezbollah military commander in Lebanon and a leader of Hamas nearly three weeks ago.

MIA file photo