US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan acknowledges that there is still a long way to go before reaching a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, with Hamas accusing Israel of hindering the process. Despite ongoing negotiations, Sullivan remains optimistic but cautious about the progress.
Washington has been actively involved in diplomatic efforts, led by CIA Director William Burns, to facilitate the release of the remaining 120 hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is committed to securing the release of all captives, emphasizing the moral obligation to do so.
While Hamas blames Israel for stalling the deal, Netanyahu maintains that Hamas’s demands must align with Israel’s security objectives. Control over Gaza’s borders, prevention of weapons smuggling, and the return of all hostages remain key priorities for Israel in any agreement.
The involvement of key leaders such as Brett McGurk from the White House underscores the importance of these negotiations. As the situation continues to unfold, both sides must navigate challenges and find common ground for a lasting resolution.