In an interview with Margaret Brennan, Robert Mardini, the Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), discussed the aid efforts in Gaza. Mardini stated that while they were able to deliver additional trucks of medicines, surgical equipment, and water to Gaza, it is still not enough to meet the immense needs of the region. He emphasized that the ICRC works directly with their own staff and carefully vetted individuals and institutions to ensure aid reaches those who need it most, refuting claims that aid may end up in the hands of terrorists.

Mardini also addressed the evacuation orders received by the Palestinian Red Crescent for al-Quds Hospital in Gaza, stating that such orders are problematic and that hospitals should be protected by international humanitarian law. He highlighted the difficulty of evacuating hospitals, particularly those with severely injured patients and essential medical equipment. Mardini stressed that it is the responsibility of the parties involved in the conflict to ensure basic services for the civilian population and that organizations like the ICRC and the Palestinian Red Crescent should not bear the burden alone.

In a separate interview with Margaret Brennan, General Joseph Votel, former commander of the U.S. Central Command, expressed concerns about the escalating conflict in the Middle East. He highlighted the potential trigger points that could lead to a broader conflict, such as an attack on U.S. installations causing significant casualties or a wider attack by Iranian-backed militia groups. Votel pointed out that Iran's elements in Iraq and Syria are responsible for the ongoing attacks on U.S. forces and emphasized the need to hold Iran accountable.

Regarding the situation in Gaza, Votel described the Israeli Defense Forces' (IDF) objective as destroying Hamas's war-making capacity, targeting command-and-control locations, logistics, and missile launch sites. He noted that the IDF's operations are focused primarily on the northern part of Gaza and Gaza City, where Hamas operates. Votel suggested that the IDF's approach is incremental, assessing their progress as they continue their operations.

Votel also expressed concerns about the potential for an uptick in violence in the West Bank, particularly in light of extremist settlers attacking Palestinians. He highlighted the vulnerability of the situation and the risk of miscalculations leading to further escalation.

In another interview, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan discussed the challenges in evacuating Americans from Gaza amid Hamas's demands. He assured that the U.S. is in regular contact with most Americans in Gaza, working actively to ensure their safe passage out. Sullivan emphasized that hospitals should not be targeted under international humanitarian law, responding to reports of threats against al-Quds Hospital.

When asked about Israel's mission in Gaza, Sullivan stated that their core strategic objective is to ensure that Hamas can never again threaten Israel as it did before. However, he noted that the specific milestones for success are up to Israel to determine.

Overall, these interviews shed light on the ongoing humanitarian and security challenges in Gaza, emphasizing the need for aid, protection of hospitals, and efforts to de-escalate the conflict.