White House: No Progress in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

White House: No Progress in Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations
Continued discussions between concerned parties without tangible progress indicates complications beyond prisoner exchange and ceasefire issues
December 1, 2024, 8:56 pm

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The White House denied achieving any breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire efforts, despite ongoing American efforts for months. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated during an interview with NBC News today, Sunday, "We are actively working" on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but we haven't reached that yet".

He explained that consultations and talks will continue, hoping to reach understandings regarding prisoner exchange and ending the war. He highlighted Washington's intensive engagement with key parties in the region, pointing to ongoing daily efforts to achieve a truce.

A Hamas official revealed yesterday, Saturday, that the movement's delegation, headed by Khalil Al-Hayya, "held several meetings with Egyptian General Intelligence Chief Major General Hassan Rashad and officials handling mediation with Israel to discuss new ideas for developing a proposal to end the war."

He reviewed the movement's readiness "to discuss all proposals that lead to stopping military operations, withdrawing Israeli forces from the Strip, returning displaced persons, bringing in humanitarian and relief aid, in addition to a serious prisoner exchange deal."

These developments coincided with American leaks indicating President-elect Donald Trump's preference to achieve an agreement on Gaza before assuming his duties on January 20.

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been sponsoring multiple negotiations for months to conclude a deal ending the conflict in the Palestinian territory and ensuring the release of Israeli detainees in Gaza since last October 7.

Talks have stalled without tangible results, especially with the Israeli side refusing to withdraw its forces from Gaza, which has hindered reaching a settlement even after Hamas agreed to a draft ceasefire proposal revealed by U.S. President Joe Biden last May.

Levant-Agencies

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