US White House: "Ceasefire and Hostage Release Negotiations with Gaza May Be Reached This Week"

Sullivan: "We Are Close to Reaching an Agreement"
Likely to Become Biden's Final Diplomatic and Security Achievement

The White House announced on the 13th (local time) that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas in the Gaza Strip could be reached this week. Attention is focused on whether U.S. President Joe Biden, who has been fully committed to a Gaza ceasefire, can achieve his final diplomatic and security accomplishment within his term, which expires in a week.

Yonhap News

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said at a briefing that day, "We are close to reaching an agreement."

He stated, "We believe the details are almost fully worked out," adding, "Only time will tell, but we will do everything we can to cross the finish line."

Earlier, J.D. Vance, the U.S. Vice President-elect, appeared on Fox News the previous day and said, "We hope an agreement could be reached within the last day or two of the Biden administration."

Regarding why the agreement is imminent, Sullivan explained, "Fundamental differences on key issues such as the method of exchanging hostages and detainees, the deployment of Israeli troops upon withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the expansion of humanitarian aid during the ceasefire have been narrowed. The differences in positions on these matters are gradually being resolved in writing by both sides."

He emphasized, "Israel has achieved significant military objectives in the Gaza Strip, and Hamas has suffered catastrophic military losses. Considering both factors, now is the right time to finalize the negotiations."

According to U.S. media, President Biden, who has decided not to seek re-election, has aimed to make the Gaza ceasefire agreement, bringing hostages home and ending the war, his final achievement during his term. Attention is focused on whether President Biden, who has strongly pressured both Israel and Hamas, will be able to lead the Gaza ceasefire agreement to completion.

Regarding North Korea, Sullivan said, "North Korea has remained an unchanging threat over many (U.S.) administrations for years."

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