Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “ready to do a deal” to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Sullivan met with Netanyahu on Thursday and said that the prime minister wants to get a deal done. The national security adviser also denied reports that Netanyahu is stalling cease-fire negotiations with Hamas in hopes of waiting for the incoming Trump administration.
Sullivan’s comments come as efforts to secure a cease-fire in Gaza continue. Hamas has reportedly conceded on two key Israeli demands and has agreed to allow Israeli Defense Forces soldiers to remain in Gaza during a pause in the fighting. The group has also agreed to drop its demands for a permanent end to Israel’s campaign and has handed over a list of hostages, including Americans, who would be exchanged under a “cease-fire pact.”
Families of the hostages have been calling on Netanyahu for months to seek a truce and secure the release of the hostages. The United Nations General Assembly has also issued a demand that Israel and Hamas reach a cease-fire agreement and that all hostages be freed from captivity.
Sullivan is expected to travel from Israel this week to Qatar and then to Egypt, where he will meet with top officials to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
