U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Thursday that he believes a deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release could be close, Reuters reported.
After meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Sullivan noted significant progress.
“It might not happen, but I believe it can happen with political will on both sides,” Sullivan said at a press conference in Tel Aviv. He announced plans to visit Qatar and Egypt to advance the talks, which could lead to the return of hostages held in Gaza and the delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid to the war-torn strip.
A Western diplomat in the region told Reuters that the potential deal might involve releasing a small number of hostages and implementing a brief truce. Such an agreement would be only the second ceasefire since the conflict began in October 2023.
Sullivan noted a shift in Hamas’ negotiating position following the deaths of key leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, and the destruction of much of the group’s military infrastructure. “From that moment forward, the negotiations have taken on a different character,” Sullivan explained.
While Sullivan’s statement subsumes that Hamas has been the party reluctant to negotiate a ceasefire, analysts note that Israel has been actively blocking any attempts at ending its war on Palestinian territories citing vague unmet objectives such as “ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”
Meanwhile, observers have noted that Netanyahu could be delaying the ceasefire pending the change in the US government. Netanyahu dismissed speculation that he was delaying a deal until President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. “I got the sense from the prime minister that he is ready to do a deal,” Sullivan said, adding that his goal is to finalize an agreement by the end of December.
The talks focus on releasing some of the 100 hostages remaining in Gaza, including seven Americans, four of whom are believed to be dead. The deal also involves releasing Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Hamas insists on a full halt to hostilities before releasing all hostages, while Israel demands the unconditional return of hostages and an end to Hamas’ control of Gaza. Sullivan acknowledged the challenges but remained hopeful. “Whether it does get done still depends on both sides signing on the proverbial dotted line,” he said.