Mon Jan 13 15:24:33 UTC 2025: ## Ceasefire Hopes Rise as Biden Administration Pushes for Israel-Hamas Deal Before Transition

**Washington, D.C.** – With President Biden’s term nearing its end, the White House expressed cautious optimism Monday regarding the potential for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated there’s a “distinct possibility” of an agreement before the presidential transition.

Sullivan revealed that intense pressure is being applied to Hamas to accept a deal, with envoy Brett McGurk actively negotiating in the region for over a week. He confirmed communications with Qatari officials and Israeli counterparts, indicating a growing sense of momentum toward a resolution.

The Biden administration has reportedly collaborated with President-elect Trump’s team on the issue, and Sullivan suggested that Trump’s stated desire for a pre-inauguration deal hasn’t hindered negotiations. While acknowledging past near-misses, Sullivan emphasized the increased pressure at the end of Biden’s term as a potential catalyst for a final agreement.

However, Sullivan refrained from guaranteeing a ceasefire, cautioning that “we’ve been here before, we’ve been close before and haven’t gotten across the finish line.” The ongoing efforts aim to bring an end to the conflict that erupted with Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel.

Read More