Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal ‘within reach,’ says Jake Sullivan in Biden’s final week

With just days left in President Joe Biden’s term, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed that a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is a “distinct possibility.” As reported by Bloomberg, Sullivan emphasized that mounting pressure could finally yield a breakthrough after months of conflict.

“The pressure is building for Hamas to come to yes,” Sullivan was quoted as saying. “It’s there for the taking, so the question is now can we all collectively seize the moment and make this happen.”

Sullivan highlighted the administration’s tireless efforts, spearheaded by Middle East envoy Brett McGurk, who has spent over a week in the region negotiating the details. Sullivan noted discussions with Qatar’s prime minister and Israeli officials, describing “a general sense that this is moving in the right direction.”

The Biden administration’s work has been coordinated closely with President-elect Donald Trump’s team, despite Trump’s insistence on securing a deal before he takes office. “The pressure building here toward the end of President Biden’s term has been considerable,” Sullivan remarked. “That will help contribute to a positive outcome if we can generate that final yes from both sides.”

However, Sullivan tempered expectations, recalling previous negotiations that came tantalizingly close to success but ultimately faltered. “We’ve been here before, we’ve been close before and haven’t gotten across the finish line,” he cautioned.

The conflict, which erupted following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has drawn international attention and urgency to resolve the violence. Whether Biden’s administration can secure a ceasefire deal remains uncertain, but Sullivan’s comments suggest optimism amid the challenges.