Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on Thursday he is “committed” to the negotiations about a new ceasefire deal with Hamas and returning the hostages but that the organization makes it impossible with the “demands that contradict it.” Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the country’s new combat officers, Netanyahu stressed that “[w]e will not stop the war until we achieve all its goals … The campaign will continue until victory, even if it takes time.” He also expressed his belief a deal that benefits and courts the requests of both sides can be achieved. In a statement released earlier this week, Netanyahu said that the negotiations will not come to fruition if Israel’s “red lines” are not respected.
Sullivan says ‘still miles to go’ on ceasefire deal
United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Thursday that a lot of details need to be agreed upon before Israel and Hamas come to a ceasefire and hostage agreement. “There’s still miles to go before we close if we are able to close. So I don’t want to say that it’s immediately around the corner, but it does not have to be far out in the distance if everyone comes in this with the will to get it done,” Sullivan stated during a press briefing. In addition, the official noted that US President Joe Biden will soon reveal more details on the latest developments in the ceasefire negotiations.