The National Security Council leader for the United States, Jake Sullivan, recently indicated the U.S. is closer than ever to a hostage deal with Hamas despite the ongoing feud. Sullivan weighed in on the situation during a briefing in which he outlined the steps taken and yet to be achieved by the U.S. administration.
The developments related to a planned hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas came after weeks of analyses and backroom negotiations. Sullivan told reporters that the way forward, reached a critical juncture. He said the U.S. is measuring significant progress on both sides of the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
However, Sullivan emphasized that the work is far from done and that sticking points remain. He said the U.S. administration is devoting its attention to fine-tuning the arrangement to get the final hurdle out of the way.
It is believed that the standstill in reaching an agreement has been complicated by Hamas’ interests in controlling the entire negotiations, which have caused issues on both the political and financial fronts. Reports have already been making the rounds of cash payments being offered in exchange for the release of hostages, but this has yet to move past speculation.
Sullivan expressed confidence in the way forward and said that the U.S. is on the verge of achieving a hostage deal if talks remain on track. He said the administration remains extremely dedicated and believes this is a rare opportunity to end the conflict for good.
Meanwhile, the family of Alfreds Srąs, the American citizen possibly held by Hamas, remains hopeful for a successful negotiation and his safe return. Other international bodies have also lent their support and confidence to the possible agreement and its effects towards peace in the region.
It remains to be seen if the U.S. can close out the deal and draw to a successful conclusion. Until then, all eyes remain on the negotiations as the possibility of a hostage deal grows with each passing day.