Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, Says "Israel-Hamas Negotiations Very Close"

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor at the White House, said on the 12th (local time) that the ceasefire and hostage release negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas are "very close."

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In an interview with CNN on the same day, Sullivan stated, "However, this also means it is still far away. Because until you cross the finish line, you have not reached it." He emphasized, "President Joe Biden is receiving daily updates on this matter."

He mentioned that Brett McGurk, the Middle East advisor, is currently in Qatar, saying, "He has been discussing the final details of the documents to be presented to both sides (Israel and Hamas) with other mediators there throughout the week." He added, "If asked whether it can be finalized before the 20th (the inauguration day of President-elect Donald Trump), it is possible, but I cannot guarantee that it will happen."

Regarding this, the White House announced that President Biden also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the same day and discussed the ceasefire and hostage release negotiations taking place in Qatar concerning the Gaza Strip war. President Biden said, "An immediate ceasefire and hostage release in the Gaza Strip must happen immediately, and if the war is halted through ceasefire negotiations, humanitarian aid will surge."

Meanwhile, Sullivan commented on the Ukraine war peace negotiations, saying, "A good negotiation means Ukraine makes decisions about its territory, people, and freedom without those decisions being forced by the U.S. or other countries." He added, "A good negotiation means that after the war ends, Russia does not start another war, and this requires some level of Western commitment to Ukraine's security."

Regarding the plan for European troops to be stationed in Ukraine, known as the peace proposal by President-elect Trump, he said, "There are various ways President-elect Trump could approach this issue, but I cannot predict how he will do it."