Sullivan on efforts for Gaza ceasefire deal: 'Not there yet'
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As the White House is actively working to secure a deal in Gaza, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed cautious optimism about a potential ceasefire deal.
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White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The White House is actively working to secure a deal in Gaza that would involve a ceasefire in exchange for the release of captives, but "we're not there yet," US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated on Sunday.
His comments came as intense fighting continues in Gaza and regional leaders meet to address the growing humanitarian and security crisis.
Ongoing negotiations
"We are engaged deeply with the key players in the region, and there is activity even today," Sullivan told NBC, as he reaffirmed the Biden administration’s commitment to brokering a resolution. "Our hope is that we can generate a ceasefire and hostage deal, but we're not there yet."
Sullivan's remarks followed reports of escalating violence, including recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, even as a fragile ceasefire had recently been brokered.
He praised the Lebanon ceasefire and affirmed US efforts to support its full implementation through coordination with Lebanon's military. "We need to protect it and ensure that it is fully implemented," he said.
Read more: As 'Israel' violates ceasefire, Hezbollah keeps track, vows commitment
Captives release talks
In occupied Al-Quds, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed cautious optimism about a potential deal for a ceasefire.
"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," Saar said, referring to the ceasefire. He reiterated "Israel’s" commitment to returning the captives, adding, "It’s a responsibility we must uphold."
Saar, however, maintained that Hamas "cannot be allowed" to continue governing Gaza.
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the death toll exceeding 44,429, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry. Gaza's infrastructure has been largely destroyed, leaving residents heavily dependent on humanitarian aid.
The UN announced on Sunday that it would pause deliveries through the Kerem Shalom crossing due to security concerns, further exacerbating the crisis.
Speaking to CBS, Sullivan described the humanitarian conditions in Gaza as catastrophic. "You have too many people who are suffering from shortages of food, water, medicine, access to sanitation. Innocent people who deserve a measure of peace and deserve access to all of those life-saving supplies in abundance."
US-'Israel' coordination
Sullivan confirmed that US President Joe Biden remains in close contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"He [Biden] also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu that day [of the "Israel"-Hezbollah ceasefire], and Prime Minister Netanyahu told him he agreed that the time is right, the moment is now," Sullivan said, referencing the urgency of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
