Jake Sullivan says Netanyahu ‘ready to do a deal’ as Hamas said to concede to Israel cease-fire demands

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly “ready to do a deal” to secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza, according to White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Sullivan stated, “I got the sense from the prime minister he is ready to do a deal. The prime minister indicated he wants to get it done.”

Sullivan’s comments come after a meeting with Netanyahu on Thursday, where the Israeli leader expressed his willingness to negotiate a cease-fire with Hamas. There were concerns that Netanyahu might be stalling cease-fire talks to wait for the incoming Trump administration, but Sullivan dismissed these claims, stating, “No, I do not get that sense. We want to close this deal this month. I wouldn’t be here today if I thought this is waiting until after Jan. 20.”

The effort to secure a cease-fire and release the hostages has been ongoing for over a year, following the attacks in Israel in October 2023. Hope for a breakthrough emerged recently after a cease-fire deal was reached between Jerusalem and Hezbollah, with Hamas reportedly conceding on key Israeli demands. The terrorist group has agreed to allow IDF soldiers to remain in Gaza during a pause in the fighting and has dropped its demands for a permanent end to Israel’s campaign.

Reports suggest that Hamas has handed over a list of hostages, including Americans, who would be exchanged under a potential cease-fire pact. It remains unclear how many hostages Hamas is willing to release and which Americans are included on the list. Families of the hostages have been urging Netanyahu to secure a truce and secure the release of their loved ones, especially after a failed cease-fire deal in late summer led to the tragic death of several hostages.

The United Nations General Assembly recently issued a resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent cease-fire” and the release of all hostages. While the resolution is not binding, it reflects the international community’s stance on the issue. The U.S. and Israel voted against the resolution, with the U.S. ambassador warning that it could send a dangerous message to Hamas.

Sullivan is now set to travel to Qatar and Egypt to continue negotiations and work towards a cease-fire and the release of hostages. The international community is hopeful that a resolution can be reached to bring an end to the conflict and secure the safe return of the hostages. Netanyahu’s willingness to negotiate is a positive step towards achieving peace in the region.