Washington:
The White House is working on a cease-fire and hostage release agreement in the Gaza Strip, but “we’re not there yet,” the US National Security Adviser told NBC on Sunday. Fighting in the conflict has intensified as regional leaders meet to discuss the crisis.
“We are actively working to make this happen,” Jake Sullivan said in a transcript released by the station. Ta.
“There will be further dialogue and consultations. Our hope is that we can reach a ceasefire and a hostage agreement, but we are not there yet,” he added.
Sullivan’s comments came a day after Israel attacked Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and days after a fragile ceasefire in the conflict with the Iranian-backed group.
Regarding the conflict, Sullivan praised the ceasefire agreement and said the United States is working with the Lebanese military to ensure it is implemented “effectively.”
“We need to protect it and make sure it’s fully enforced,” he told NBC.
Sullivan said both parties “have the right, in accordance with international law, to act in self-defense when faced with an imminent threat,” in an apparent reference to the Israeli attack.
Speaking in Jerusalem on Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said there were “signs” of progress on a deal to secure the release of hostages by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
“There are signs that developments in the situation, including the agreement with Lebanon, will allow Hamas to respond more flexibly,” he said.
“There is a desire to move this matter forward. I want it to move forward. We are fully committed to the return of the hostages. That is a responsibility that we must uphold.”
But Saar insisted Hamas “cannot be allowed” to continue controlling Gaza.
Sullivan said on CBS that US President Joe Biden is working closely with the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I also spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu that day (about the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire), and Prime Minister Netanyahu said yes, the time has come, the time is now,” Sullivan said of the need for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Mentioned. Israel and Hamas.
Hamas captured 251 hostages in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, and 97 are still being held in Gaza, including 34 who were confirmed dead.
The insurgent attack killed 1,207 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli officials.
In response, Israel launched a devastating military operation in Gaza, killing at least 44,429 people in Gaza, most of them were said to have been civilians.
Large parts of Gaza are reduced to rubble and residents rely on humanitarian aid, with the United Nations announcing on Sunday that it would suspend the delivery of aid through the key Kerem Shalom crossing due to security concerns.
Sullivan told CBS on Sunday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is a “crisis” and that hunger is “constantly creeping” into the region.
“Too many people are suffering from lack of food, water, medicine and sanitation. Innocent people deserve some peace and have access to abundant access to these life-saving supplies.” said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
