The White House is working on a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, but “it hasn’t happened yet”, the US national security adviser told NBC on Sunday, as fighting escalates in the conflict as regional leaders grapple with the crisis. Let’s meet to discuss.
According to a transcript released by the broadcaster, Jake Sullivan said, “We are actively working to make this happen. We are deeply engaged with the key players in the sector and there is activity today.”
“There will be further negotiations and consultations, and our hope is that we can reach a ceasefire and a hostage agreement, but we are not there yet,” he said.
Sullivan’s comments come a day after Israel attacked Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, which is on the heels of a fragile ceasefire in its conflict with the Iran-backed group.
Addressing that conflict, Sullivan praised the ceasefire agreement and said the US is working with the Lebanese army to ensure it is “effectively” implemented.
“We need to protect it and make sure it’s fully enforced,” he told NBC.
In an apparent reference to the Israeli attacks, Sullivan said both sides “have the right to act in self-defense, consistent with international law, if they are facing imminent threats.”
Speaking in Jerusalem on Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said there could be “signs” of progress on a deal securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
“There are signs that we may see greater flexibility on the part of Hamas as a result of the circumstances that have developed, including the agreement with Lebanon,” he said.
“There is a willingness to move forward on this. I am hopeful that progress can be made. We are committed to the return of the hostages – it is a responsibility we must live up to.”
However, Saar stressed that Hamas “cannot be allowed” to continue ruling Gaza.
Speaking to US broadcaster CBS, Sullivan said US President Joe Biden was in close coordination with the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“He also spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu that day (about the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire), and Prime Minister Netanyahu told him he agreed, the time is right. Sullivan said, of the need for a ceasefire between the two Referring to Israel and Hamas.
Hamas captured 251 hostages during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, of whom 97 are still in Gaza, of whom 34 are confirmed dead.
The armed group’s attack resulted in 1,207 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
In response, Israel launched a weak military campaign on Gaza, killing at least 44,429 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry, which the United Nations considers reliable.
Much of Gaza has been reduced to rubble, its population dependent on humanitarian aid and the United Nations said on Sunday it would halt deliveries through the key Kerem Shalom crossing due to security concerns.
Speaking to CBS on Sunday, Sullivan said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was a “crisis” and famine “continues to loom” in the region.
He said, “You have a lot of people who are suffering from lack of access to food, water, medicine, sanitation. Innocent people who deserve some measure of peace and abundant access to all those life-saving supplies.” “
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
