White House: Efforts for Ceasefire in Gaza and Release of Hostages Continue

Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor at the White House, stated on Sunday, December 2, that the Biden administration's efforts to establish a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in Gaza are ongoing. In an interview with NBC News, Sullivan mentioned that Washington is 'actively' working towards such an agreement and is 'deeply' engaged with key players in the region, with efforts continuing today (Sunday). He added, 'More discussions and consultations will take place, and we hope to achieve a ceasefire agreement and [the release of] hostages, but we are still far from that.' According to Jake Sullivan, President Joe Biden has been in 'close' communication and coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The National Security Advisor further noted that Biden spoke with Netanyahu on the day of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, and that Netanyahu agreed to the timing of this ceasefire. Sean South, spokesperson for the National Security Council, also stated on Saturday that the proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages remains on the table, and that the President and his administration are constantly working to achieve it. In the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, over 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others were taken hostage, some of whom were released during a temporary ceasefire last year, but others remain captive. In December 2023, during a one-week pause, 105 hostages were released. Four hostages had been released prior, and three were rescued by the Israeli army. Israel claims that Hamas still holds over 100 hostages. Hamas, a group supported by the Islamic Republic, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Japan, and several other countries worldwide.