Mon Jan 13 19:26:58 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Truce and Hostage Release Deal Imminent, Says Sullivan

**Washington, Jan 14, 2025** – A breakthrough in the Israel-Hamas conflict is within reach, according to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Sullivan announced Monday that a Gaza truce and hostage release deal is close to finalization, potentially concluding within the final week of President Biden’s term.

Sullivan expressed cautious optimism, stating that while he wouldn’t make promises, a deal is “there for the taking.” He attributed this progress to narrowed gaps in negotiations, particularly regarding the exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and the post-ceasefire positioning of Israeli forces in Gaza.

Intensive diplomatic efforts are underway, with President Biden speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday and contacting the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on Monday. Mediators presented a final draft agreement to both Israel and Hamas on Monday following a late-night breakthrough in talks involving envoys from both the Biden and Trump administrations.

The potential agreement would mark a significant development, potentially resulting in the release of up to 33 Israeli hostages, according to an Israeli official. Ninety-eight Israeli hostages remain in Gaza. Both Israeli and Hamas officials confirmed progress in negotiations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s efforts. A Hamas official stated that progress had been made on core issues and they were working towards a swift conclusion.

Sullivan cited Israel’s achievement of its military objectives and Hamas’s significant losses as contributing factors to the current optimism. He believes the timing is opportune to finalize a deal before President Biden leaves office on January 20th. If successful, the deal would end over a year of intermittent negotiations and represent the largest release of Israeli hostages since the conflict began in October 2023.

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