Israel ready for truce deal, Hamas needs to be pushed, US adviser says

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says he believes Israel is prepared to agree to a ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Sullivan is asked during a White House press briefing what Biden’s failure to secure a hostage deal before the end of Ramadan this week, after he sought to broker a deal before the holy month started, says about his ability to bring peace around the world.

“It says more about the fact that you have a party, Hamas, [that] is holding innocent people that it took hostage six months ago,” Sullivan responds. “It doesn’t get a lot of attention in the commentary.”

“There could be a ceasefire in place today that would extend for several weeks to be built upon longer if Hamas would be prepared to release some of those people, so let’s train the attention where it belongs, which is the world should say at this moment that ‘Hamas, it’s time. Let’s go. Let’s get that ceasefire.”

“I believe Israel is ready and Hamas should step up to the table and be prepared to do so as well,” he adds.