US White House: Israel-Hamas Hostage Negotiations Nearing Agreement

The White House confirmed on the 19th (local time) that significant progress has been made toward a ceasefire for the release of hostages between Israel and Hamas.

John Finer, Deputy National Security Advisor at the White House, appeared consecutively on NBC's "Meet the Press" and ABC's "This Week" on the same day, stating, "Very sensitive negotiations are narrowing," confirming this development.

He said, "We are much closer to an agreement," adding, "Compared to the start of discussions, we can say we are significantly closer." He also confirmed, "There has been considerable progress on several issues where consensus had not been reached in recent days." However, he expressed caution, saying, "Negotiations are not finalized until a final agreement is reached," and "We cannot get ahead of the ongoing discussions."

Earlier, The Washington Post (WP) reported the previous day, citing multiple sources, that Israel, the United States, and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas were close to an agreement to halt hostilities for five days in exchange for releasing dozens of women and children hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

Regarding the number of hostages to be released, Deputy Advisor Finer only mentioned "at least 12, possibly dozens." He also added that the U.S. government does not engage in direct talks with Hamas and cannot directly verify the exact number or condition of the hostages.

Regarding information that the Al-Shifa hospital, which Israel conducted airstrikes on, was used as Hamas's operational headquarters, he said, "Not only Israel but also U.S. intelligence has this information, and it is very clear on that point," reaffirming, "Al-Shifa was used as an operational facility for terrorist attacks." However, he also stated, "This does not justify Israel attacking the hospital."

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