Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly willing to negotiate a deal to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Sullivan stated during a press conference in Tel Aviv that he sensed Netanyahu's readiness to reach an agreement and emphasized the prime minister's eagerness to finalize the deal promptly.
Sullivan dismissed speculations that Netanyahu might be delaying cease-fire negotiations with Hamas to await the incoming Trump administration, affirming the intention to close the deal within the current month. The renewed hope for a hostage release emerged following a recent cease-fire agreement between Jerusalem and Hezbollah, with Hamas allegedly conceding on key Israeli demands and indicating a willingness to exchange hostages under a cease-fire pact.
The families of the hostages, including American captives held by Hamas for over 430 days since the 2023 attacks in Israel, have been advocating for a truce and the release of their loved ones. The urgency intensified after a failed cease-fire deal last summer resulted in the tragic deaths of several hostages, including an American.
The United Nations General Assembly issued a resolution urging Israel and Hamas to reach an immediate cease-fire and release all hostages. While the resolution is non-binding, it reflects the global stance on the issue. The U.S. and Israel, among other nations, voted against the resolution, emphasizing the need for a diplomatic solution to ensure peace and security for civilians in Gaza.
Sullivan highlighted a shift in Hamas' negotiation stance following the Lebanon cease-fire, indicating a diminishing reliance on external support. He is set to travel to Qatar and Egypt to engage with officials and work towards securing a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
