In a recent government meeting, officials emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire deal in the ongoing conflict involving Hamas and Israel. A senior U.S. official stated that achieving total victory over Hamas is unlikely, but a ceasefire is viewed as a crucial first step toward stabilizing the Gaza Strip and preventing it from being used as a base for terrorist activities against Israel.

The discussion also touched on the future of U.S. military presence in Iraq. While there have been reports of an agreement regarding the withdrawal of U.S. forces, officials clarified that no such agreement has been finalized. Ongoing discussions focus on transitioning to a bilateral security partnership, emphasizing mutual security cooperation and regional stability.

Additionally, the meeting addressed U.S. diplomatic efforts concerning Iran's involvement in the region. Officials reiterated that there has been no direct engagement with Iran and stressed the importance of de-escalation. They highlighted ongoing communications from Secretary of State Antony Blinken aimed at reinforcing the need for a ceasefire and reducing tensions.

The U.S. has also called on Israel to transparently investigate reports of abuses, maintaining a close information-sharing relationship with the Israeli government. However, officials did not provide specific updates on responses to these calls for accountability.