The White House is negotiating a ceasefire and hostage release arrangement in Gaza but is “not there yet,” the US National Security Advisor told NBC on Sunday, as fighting continues while regional officials meet to discuss the problem.
“We are actively working to make it a reality.” We are deeply engaged with the region’s important stakeholders, and there is activity even now,” stated Jake Sullivan, according to a transcript supplied by the broadcaster.
“There will be further conversations and consultations, and we hope that we can generate a ceasefire and hostage deal, but we’re not there yet,” he said.
Sullivan’s remarks come a day after Israel struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, just days into a tenuous ceasefire in its fight with the Iran-backed militia.
Addressing the violence, Sullivan praised the ceasefire agreement and stated that the US was collaborating with Lebanon’s military to ensure its “effective implementation.”
“We need to protect it and ensure that it is fully implemented,” the politician told NBC.
In an apparent allusion to the Israeli strikes, Sullivan stated that both parties “have the right, consistent with international law, to take action in self-defence if they’re facing imminent threats.”
Speaking in Jerusalem on Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said there were “indications” that progress could be made on a deal to secure the release of Hamas hostages from Gaza.
“There are signs we may see a greater degree of flexibility from Hamas as a result of circumstances that have developed, including the agreement with Lebanon.
“There is a desire to proceed on this. I’m hoping things can move forward. We are dedicated to the release of the hostages; it is a responsibility we must fulfil.”
However, Saar stated that Hamas “cannot be allowed” to dominate Gaza.
Speaking to CBS, Sullivan stated that US President Joe Biden was in frequent contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet. “He also met with Prime Minister Netanyahu that day (of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire), and Netanyahu told him that he agreed; the time has come.
“The time has come,” Sullivan stated, referring to the need for an Israeli-Hamas ceasefire.
Hamas kidnapped 251 captives during its October 7, 2023 raid on Israel, with 97 still being detained in Gaza, including 34 confirmed dead.
According to an AFP calculation of official Israeli data, the armed group’s onslaught killed 1,207 people, the majority of whom were civilians.
In response, Israel conducted a brutal military operation against Gaza, killing at least 44,429 people; the majority of them were civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, which the UN considers credible.
Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, leaving the population reliant on humanitarian aid, which the UN announced on Sunday would be halted at the important Kerem Shalom crossing due to security concerns.
Speaking to CBS on Sunday, Sullivan described Gaza‘s humanitarian situation as a “crisis,” with famine “constantly stalking” the territory.
“There are far too many people who lack food, water, medicine, and access to sanitation. Innocent individuals who deserve some tranquillity and unlimited access to life-saving goods,” he said.
